Source: PIB
Context: A new species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, has been discovered in the Western Ghats by scientists from MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune.
About Allographa effusosoredica:
- What It Is?
- A newly identified crustose lichen species under the genus Allographa, belonging to the family Graphidaceae.
- Lichens are composite organisms formed by symbiosis between fungi and photosynthetic partners like algae or cyanobacteria.
- Found In:
- Discovered in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
- Adds to the growing inventory of lichen diversity in India—53 Allographa species reported, 22 from the Western Ghats alone.
- Key Features:
- Shows effuse soredia, and presence of norstictic acid (a rare chemical trait within this genus).
- Possesses a Trentepohlia algal partner, strengthening understanding of tropical photobiont diversity.
- Mimics Graphis glaucescens morphologically but is genetically closer to Allographa xanthospora.
- DNA analysis used multiple genetic markers: mtSSU, LSU, RPB2 (fungal) and ITS (algal).
- Studied using polyphasic taxonomy—combining morphology, chemistry, and molecular tools.
- Significance:
- First time an Indian Allographa species has been sequenced using molecular markers.
- Highlights symbiotic co-adaptation between locally specific fungi and algae in tropical climates.
- Supports integrative taxonomy—crucial for accurately identifying cryptic species in biodiversity hotspots.
- Adds to conservation science by revealing hidden biodiversity that supports ecosystem health (e.g., bioindicators, soil generation).
