DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Implementing a pioneering approach to document and describe the taxonomically neglected sterile crustose lichens through a revision of the genus Lepraria s.l

通过包含真菌和藻类成分的特殊繁殖体进行无性生殖发生在包括地衣的各种谱系中，这是地衣生物学中最有趣的方面之一。尽管以这种方式繁殖的地衣占任何特定地区地衣生物多样性的50%，但它们一直被长期忽视。本项目实施了一种新的方法来补救这一问题，使用修订的地衣属Lepraria在北美作为一个案例研究。这种方法依赖于广泛的实地观察，以使分子数据分析的结果与基于传统特征（如形态和化学）的结果相一致。Lepraria是一个独特的群体，它已经失去了有性繁殖的能力，但仍在继续多样化。该项目解决了地衣学中一个重要的知识缺口，通过在大陆范围内对Lepraria进行了第一次全面的处理，并为任何一组无菌壳壳地衣引入了第一个标准化的形态学术语。在北美北部/北极地区进行的实地研究将大大增加这种处理的功能。同样，新生成的分子数据将揭示地衣真菌无性生殖的进化，同时为目前在Lepraria中失去双亲的许多物种提供分类定位。最值得注意的是，这里实施的方法广泛适用于其他不育地衣，为记录和描述这一高度物种但长期被忽视的群体的生物多样性提供了一种及时和经济有效的方法。该项目将培训一名博士生，研究结果将通过开发网站、视频和大众媒体公共宣传活动来传播。

Asexual reproduction via specialized propagules that contain both fungal and algal components occurs throughout the diverse lineages that comprise lichens, and is one of the most interesting aspects of lichen biology. Although lichens that reproduce this way represent up to ~50% of lichen biodiversity in any given area they have been chronically neglected. This project implements a novel methodology to remedy this problem using a revision of the lichen genus Lepraria in North America as a case study. This methodology relies on extensive field observations to reconcile the results of analyses of molecular data against those based on traditional characters such as morphology and chemistry. Lepraria is a unique group that has lost the ability to reproduce sexually yet continued to diversify. This project addresses a significant knowledge gap in lichenology by producing the first comprehensive treatment of Lepraria on a continental scale and introducing the first standardized morphological terminology for any group of sterile crustose lichens. Field studies in boreal/arctic North America will substantively increase the functionality of this treatment. Similarly, newly generated molecular data will shed light on the evolution of asexual reproduction in lichenized fungi while providing taxonomic placement for numerous species currently orphaned within Lepraria. Most notably the methodology implemented here is broadly applicable to other sterile lichens, providing a timely and cost-effective way to document and describe the biodiversity of this highly speciose but chronically neglected group. The project will train a doctoral student and results of the study will be disseminated through the development of websites, videos, and mass media public outreach activities.