New Lichen Species Allographa effusosoredica Discovered
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: Indian species of the genus Allographa were identified and classified primarily based on classical morphology and chemical spot tests. NOW: Allographa effusosoredica is the first Indian Allographa species identified using an integrative polyphasic taxonomic approach that includes DNA sequencing across multiple fungal and algal genetic markers.
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BEFORE: The exact algal photobionts for many tropical lichens in the region remained unsequenced and poorly understood. NOW: Molecular data confirmed that the new species has a symbiotic partnership with a specific Trentepohlia alga, reinforcing the concept of locally adapted photobionts.
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BEFORE: The known inventory of Allographa species in India stood at 52, with 21 identified from the Western Ghats. NOW: The discovery brings the total to 53 species in India, with 22 specifically recorded from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
With Reference ToWith reference to the newly discovered lichen species Allographa effusosoredica, consider the following statements: 1. It is a crustose lichen found in the Western Ghats that contains a rare chemical compound called norstictic acid. 2. It is the first Indian Allographa species to be sequenced using molecular DNA markers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?