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Diversity and ecological adaptations in Palaeogene lichens
Ulla Kaasalainen1, Alexander R Schmidt1, Jouko Rikkinen2,3
1Department of Geobiology, University of Göttingen, Goldschmidtstraβe 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
Nature Plants
|April 25, 2017
Summary
Researchers discovered 152 new fossil lichens in European Palaeogene amber, significantly expanding the known fossil record. These ancient lichens reveal diverse adaptations and suggest a temperate, humid climate during that period.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Botany
- Mycology
Background:
- Lichens are symbiotic organisms comprising fungi and algae or cyanobacteria.
- Fungal partners (mycobionts) form complex structures to host photobionts.
- Lichens are ecologically significant and serve as environmental indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the discovery of new fossil lichens from European Palaeogene amber.
- To analyze the morphological diversity and adaptations of these fossil lichens.
- To infer paleoclimatic conditions based on fossil morphology.
Main Methods:
- Excavation and analysis of fossil lichens from European Palaeogene amber deposits.
- Morphological examination of 152 newly discovered fossil specimens.
- Comparison of fossil morphologies with extant lichen lineages.
Main Results:
- 152 new fossil lichens were identified, increasing the known fossil record from 15 to 167.
- Most fossils belong to extant lineages within the Lecanoromycetes.
- Fossils exhibit diverse adaptations for substrate attachment, water management, gas exchange, and reproduction.
Conclusions:
- The study significantly expands the fossil record of lichens.
- Fossil lichen morphologies indicate adaptations to humid, temperate forest environments.
- These findings provide insights into lichen evolution and ancient ecosystems.
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