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

通过含有真菌和藻类成分的特殊繁殖体进行无性繁殖，在组成地衣的不同谱系中都存在，这是地衣生物学最有趣的方面之一。尽管以这种方式繁殖的地衣占任何给定地区地衣生物多样性的50%，但它们长期以来一直被忽视。该项目实施了一种新的方法来解决这个问题，以北美地衣属麻风草属的修订为例进行研究。这种方法依赖于广泛的现场观察，以使分子数据的分析结果与基于形态和化学等传统特征的结果相一致。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方面的重大知识鸿沟，在大陆范围内进行了第一次麻风病的综合治疗，并为任何一组无菌的硬壳地衣引入了第一个标准化的形态术语。在北美洲北部/北极地区的实地研究将大大增加这种治疗的功能性。同样，新产生的分子数据将阐明地衣真菌中无性繁殖的进化，同时为目前麻风属中的许多孤儿物种提供分类位置。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特殊但长期被忽视的群体的生物多样性提供了一种及时和具有成本效益的方式。该项目将培养一名博士生，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.