Category
Poster - Theoretical Proposal
Description
The term symbiosis was used for the first time in biological studies while observing crustose lichens by Alberty Bernhard Frank in 1876. Lichens have long been identified as having a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi. However, recent discoveries in molecular techniques have uncovered that this symbiotic relationship also incorporates bacterial communities. New studies have shown species-specific consistency within the composition of these bacterial communities despite changes in habitats. Additional research has found that lichenization may affect the microbial communities of the lichen substrate. Both findings relate to host lichen maintenance of the microbiome. This study will characterize the microbiome across 3 varying habitats within the Candler’s Mountain ecosystem in the common Greenshield lichen (Flavoparmelia caperata). Our three sampling areas will include a recent clear-cut area, new regrowth of past clear-cut area, and a mature forest area. Samples from microbes found on multiple lichen replicates in the three microhabitats will be collected. Samples will also be taken from the surrounding substrate within one inch of the lichen thallus to determine if the microbiome of the surrounding substrate is affected. Samples will be grown on nutrient agar plates, identified, and compared by morphotype. If the lichens perform symbiosis with particular strains of bacteria and fungi, microbial communities should retain core microbes (members that are present in all samples) despite changes in habitat. Lichens are considered a keystone species, a relevant food source, and bioindicators. Their role as a keystone species makes them an excellent candidate for the bioindication of environmental stress. This research will contribute to the current understanding and development of lichens as monitors for the health of woodland habitats. Understanding lichens is critical to understanding the environment in a rapidly changing world.
You lichen it? The Characterization of Common Greenshield Lichen (Flavoparmelia caperata) microbiomes across varying forest habitats
Poster - Theoretical Proposal
The term symbiosis was used for the first time in biological studies while observing crustose lichens by Alberty Bernhard Frank in 1876. Lichens have long been identified as having a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi. However, recent discoveries in molecular techniques have uncovered that this symbiotic relationship also incorporates bacterial communities. New studies have shown species-specific consistency within the composition of these bacterial communities despite changes in habitats. Additional research has found that lichenization may affect the microbial communities of the lichen substrate. Both findings relate to host lichen maintenance of the microbiome. This study will characterize the microbiome across 3 varying habitats within the Candler’s Mountain ecosystem in the common Greenshield lichen (Flavoparmelia caperata). Our three sampling areas will include a recent clear-cut area, new regrowth of past clear-cut area, and a mature forest area. Samples from microbes found on multiple lichen replicates in the three microhabitats will be collected. Samples will also be taken from the surrounding substrate within one inch of the lichen thallus to determine if the microbiome of the surrounding substrate is affected. Samples will be grown on nutrient agar plates, identified, and compared by morphotype. If the lichens perform symbiosis with particular strains of bacteria and fungi, microbial communities should retain core microbes (members that are present in all samples) despite changes in habitat. Lichens are considered a keystone species, a relevant food source, and bioindicators. Their role as a keystone species makes them an excellent candidate for the bioindication of environmental stress. This research will contribute to the current understanding and development of lichens as monitors for the health of woodland habitats. Understanding lichens is critical to understanding the environment in a rapidly changing world.
Comments
Undergraduate