The Role of Photobionts as Drivers of Diversification in an Island Radiation of Lichen-Forming Fungi.

ABSTRACT: Speciation in oceanic islands has attracted the interest of scientists since the 19th century. One of the most striking evolutionary phenomena that can be studied in islands is adaptive radiation, that is, when a lineage gives rise to different species by means of ecological speciation. Some of the best-known examples of adaptive radiation are charismatic organisms like the Darwin finches of the Galapagos and the cichlid fishes of the great African lakes. In these and many other examples, a segregation of the trophic niche has been shown to be an important diversification driver. Radiations are known in other groups of organisms, such as lichen-forming fungi. However, very few studies have investigated their adaptive nature, and none have focused on the trophic niche. In this study, we exp

SUBMITTER: Blazquez M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8763358 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature