Hidden diversity in parmelioid lichens (Ascomycota, Lecanorales)

Parmelioid地衣（子囊菌门）的隐藏多样性据估计，自然界中存在多达150万种蘑菇。大约有100，000种被描述的物种，目前只有一小部分是已知的。一大群蘑菇与藻类和细菌形成了联系，由此产生的联系被称为地衣。这组蘑菇的物种划分是基于形态特征。越来越多的分子研究证据表明，这组蘑菇中现有物种的数量被低估了。然而，了解地衣的多样性对于我们理解整体生物多样性至关重要。地衣是气候变化、空气污染、森林健康以及抗生素和生物防治剂的潜在来源的重要指标。在这个项目中，研究人员将使用分子数据：1）评估北美常见的一组地衣的物种多样性，2）了解该组地衣的进化。一名博士后研究员将接受培训，本科生将参加暑期实习计划。PI还将参加公开讲座系列，并协助开发自然历史博物馆的展览。高中访问旨在将现代研究带入课堂，以吸引未来一代的科学家。这些合作的国际性质将促进发展一个全球研究人员网络的倡议。此外，该项目的成果将通过网站传播。

Hidden diversity in parmelioid lichens (Ascomycota)Up to 1.5 million species of mushrooms are estimated to exist in nature. With approximately 100,000 described species, only a small fraction is currently known. A large group of mushrooms forms associations with algae and bacteria, and the resulting associations are called lichens. The delimitation of species in this group of mushrooms has been based on morphological characters. There is a growing body of evidence from molecular studies that the number of existing species in this group of mushrooms is underestimated. However, understanding the diversity of lichens is pivotal for our understanding of overall biodiversity. Lichens are important indicators for climate change, air pollution, forest health and potential sources of antibiotics and biocontrol agents. In this project the investigators will use molecular data: 1) to assess the diversity of species in a group of lichens common in North America and 2) to understand the evolution of this group of lichens. A postdoctoral researcher will be trained and undergraduate students will participate in summer-intern programs. The PI will also participate in public lecture series and assist in developing exhibits at the Field Museum of Natural History. High school visits are designed to bring modern research into the classrooms to attract the future generation of scientists. The international nature of these collaborations will foster initiatives to develop a worldwide network of researchers. Also, results of this project will be disseminated through web sites.