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Microbial communities associated with tree bark foliose lichens: a perspective on their microecology
1Department of Biology, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York, 10964.
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
|April 17, 2014
Summary
Microbial communities in foliose lichens, including bacteria and eukaryotic microbes like heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) and amoeboid protists, were studied globally. Results indicate a bacterial-based food web within these lichen ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Ecology
- Mycology
Background:
- Foliose lichens are widespread and contribute significant biomass in various ecosystems.
- Research on microbial communities, especially eukaryotic microbes, associated with lichens is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the density and carbon biomass of bacteria and eukaryotic microbes in foliose lichens.
- To investigate the microbial diversity and food web structure within lichen microhabitats.
Main Methods:
- Collected foliose lichens from 11 diverse global locations.
- Quantified densities and carbon biomass of bacteria, heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF), and amoeboid protists.
- Analyzed microbial diversity, including slime molds.
Main Results:
- Rich microbial diversity was found, including large slime molds.
- Densities of HNF and amoeboid protists positively correlated with bacterial densities (r=0.84 and 0.80, p<0.01).
- Significant variation in microbial densities and carbon biomass across geographic sites was observed.
Conclusions:
- The lichen-associated microbial community likely relies on a bacterial-based food web.
- Lichen microhabitats harbor diverse microbial life, with notable contributions from protists and slime molds.
- Geographic location significantly influences microbial community structure and biomass within lichens.
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