Genetic variability and its geographical distribution of Cladonia borealis around the polar region

Abstract

The fruticose lichen Cladonia borealis is found in Europe, Asia, North and South America besides Antarctic and Arctic (cosmopolitan species). In order to investigate genetic variation and geographical distribution of C. borealis from Svalbard (Arctic), King George Islands (Antarctic) and Punta Arenas (Chile), 59 specimens of this species were randomly collected and the sequences of rDNA (ITS&#48835

SU) and RNA polymerase II (RPB2) were determined. Results indicated that they are divided into 2 groups in King George Islands, 3 groups in Svalbard and one group in Punta Arenas. Each subgroup is composed of specimens from each geographical area. The results suggested that this species have evolved with geographical barrier.