Project Goals
Goal 1
Phylogenomics of the genus Ramalina |
When we first set out this project we had in mind to shed light on the diversification of Ramalina in the Macaronesia, an area where the genus shows a high number of endemics (c. 30 taxa). However it is not possible to carry out this task without a robust phylogenetic framework. Now, thanks to the collaboration of many colleagues, our main goal is to build the first genus wide phylogenetic hypothesis for Ramalina using NGS. This framework will help us to answer many questions about the evolution and diversification of the genus Ramalina in Macaronesia and other regions of the world and to understand which factors may have driven the diversification events.
Goal 2
Do the R. decipiens and R. bourgeana groups represent adaptative radiations?
The second goal of the project is focused on the study of the Ramalina decipiens and Ramalina bourgeana groups. These two groups of species have apparently radiated within the Macaronesian archipielagos. Using different approaches, including the characterization of species microniches, ecophysiological studies on water relations and the study of the photobionts associated to each species, we intend to understand how species of lichen-forming fungi evolved and if the radiation of these two groups show an adaptative footprint.