Parmelia encryptata
| Parmelia encryptata | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Lecanorales |
| Family: | Parmeliaceae |
| Genus: | Parmelia |
| Species: | P. encryptata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Parmelia encryptata A.Crespo, Divakar & M.C.Molina (2011)
| |
Parmelia encryptata is a species of corticolous (bark-dwelling), foliose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. Found in the Iberian Peninsula, it is cryptic species that is a member of the Parmelia sulcata species complex, and it is morphologically indistinguishable from that lichen. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, however, shows that it is a genetically unique species originating from a different lineage. Parmelia encryptata has been estimated to have diverged from the P. squarrosa complex about 5.4 million years ago.[1]
Taxonomy
[edit]Parmelia encryptata was formally described as a new species in 2011 by Ana Crespo, Pradeep Kumar Divakar, and Maria del Carmen Molina. The specific epithet encryptata refers to its cryptic nature, as it is morphologically indistinguishable from P. sulcata but genetically distinct.[2] The holotype specimen was collected from Herbès, Sierra de la Creu in Castellón, Spain, at an elevation of 1000 m, growing on Quercus (oak). Parmelia encryptata was initially identified as P. sulcata based on morphological characters before molecular analysis revealed it as a separate species. Phylogenetic studies using three molecular markers (nuITS, nuIGS rDNA, and partial β-tubulin gene) demonstrated that P. encryptata forms a strongly supported monophyletic group independent from P. sulcata sensu stricto.[2]
The discovery of P. encryptata as a cryptic species emerged from earlier studies by Crespo and colleagues (1999),[3] which had shown unexpected genetic variability within what was then considered P. sulcata. This discovery added to a growing body of evidence that traditional morphological methods for species delimitation in lichenized fungi may underestimate actual species diversity.[2]
Description
[edit]
Despite being genetically distinct, P. encryptata is morphologically identical to P. sulcata and cannot be distinguished through visual examination alone. Like P. sulcata, it is characterized by a grey pseudocyphellate, sorediate upper surface. Chemical analysis shows that P. encryptata contains atranorin, chloroatranorin, salazinic acid, and consalazinic acid, the same chemical profile as P. sulcata.[2] No specimens with apothecia (fruiting bodies) have been observed for P. encryptata.[2]
The species can be distinguished from P. sulcata only through molecular methods. P. encryptata possesses a Group I intron at position 1516 in the nuclear small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA, which is absent in P. sulcata in the strict sense (sensu stricto). This results in a PCR product size difference when analyzed by gel electrophoresis. Additionally, P. encryptata has unique nucleotide sequences in ITS1 at positions 113, 119, 122, and 124.[2]
Pairwise genetic distances between P. sulcata sensu stricto and P. encryptata range from 0.022 to 0.040 nucleotide substitutions per site, values that fall within the interspecific range supporting its recognition as a distinct species.[2]
Habitat and distribution
[edit]Parmelia encryptata has been documented in Spain (including Castellón and Caceres) and Ireland (Killarney, County Kerry).[2] It is sympatric with P. lsulcata sensu stricto, meaning both species can be found in the same geographical areas and even on the same phorophytes (host trees). The holotype specimen was collected at an altitude of 1000 m, growing on Quercus (oak).[2] Like other members of the genus Parmelia, it grows on bark or wood.[2]
Ecological studies have shown different distribution patterns between P. encryptata and P. sulcata sensu stricto in relation to air pollution. In London, following amelioration of sulfur dioxide levels, only P. sulcata sensu stricto was expanding through previously polluted areas, while P. encryptata was more widespread in other areas of England.[3] This suggests that despite their morphological similarity, these cryptic species may have different ecological tolerances and behaviours.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ Molina, M. Carmen; Divakar, Pradeep K.; Goward, Trevor; Millanes, Ana M.; Lumbsch, H. Thorsten; Crespo, Ana (2016). "Neogene diversification in the temperate lichen-forming fungal genus Parmelia (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota)". Systematics and Biodiversity. 15 (2): 166–181. doi:10.1080/14772000.2016.1226977.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Molina, Maria del Carmen; Divakar, Pradeep K.; Millanes, Ana M.; Sánchez, Edinson; Del-Prado, Ruth; Hawksworth, David L.; Crespo, Ana (2011). "Parmelia sulcata (Ascomycota: Parmeliaceae), a sympatric monophyletic species complex". The Lichenologist. 43 (6): 585–601. doi:10.1017/S0024282911000521.
- ^ a b Crespo, A.; Bridge, P.D.; Hawksworth, D.L.; Grube, M.; Cubero, O.F. (1999). "Comparison of rRNA genotype frequencies of Parmelia sulcata from long established and recolonizing sites following sulphur dioxide amelioration". Plant Systematics and Evolution. 217 (3–4): 177–183. doi:10.1007/BF00984363.