Phylogenetic study of the lichen-forming fungi from King George Island, Antarctica

Abstract

Lichens are predominant and important flora in the terrestrial ecosystem of Antarctica. However, relatively few phylogenetic researches on Antarctic lichens have been accomplished. Phylogenetic researches using molecular techniques and advanced analysis algorithms are needed for a comprehensive guide to the identification and classification of Antarctic lichen-forming fungi, and to understand evolutionary relationships among lichen species with various geographical distributions. The floristic surveys were made in King George Island, Antarctica and fresh lichens were collected from January to February in 2006. A total of 225 lichen collections were obtained and identified to the species through the observation of macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. To provide information for phylogenetic relationships, nuclear large subunit (nLSU) rDNAs of 89 specimens were sequenced and compared with 201 sequences of lichen-forming fungi retrieved from the GenBank. Most of the Antarctic species were grouped together with species from other continents of the earth. However, some of the Antarctic species, which include several members of Catillaria, Cladonia, and Xanthoria, formed unique phylogenetic lineages.