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Microorganisms
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Lichen Functional Traits and Ecosystem Functions
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Lichen Functional Traits and Ecosystem Functions

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2021) | Viewed by 31651

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Paolo Giordani

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Guest Editor
DIFAR, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
Interests: lichen ecology; biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Juri Nascimbene

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Guest Editor
Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Interests: lichenology; floristics; taxonomy; distribution; conservation of lichens in terrestrial ecosystems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Renato Benesperi

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Guest Editor
Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
Interests: conservation biology; ecology; invasive species; conservation; biodiversity; species diversity; ecology and evolution; wildlife conservation; climate change; ecosystem ecology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Functional traits and ecosystem functions have received increasing consideration in the last decade. Scientists have recognized them as critical elements for elucidating the mechanisms behind the dynamics of biota. Functional traits are characteristics of the species that mediate their response to environmental conditions and determine ecosystem functioning that may result in the provision of several ecosystem services.

Lichens are symbiotic associations between a heterotrophic fungus (the mycobiont) and one or more photosynthetic partners (the photobiont). Despite their modest size, lichens may be essential in providing specific ecosystem functions. These organisms are abundant globally, and represent the dominant autotrophs in several ecosystems, such as tundra, deserts, or high-elevation landscapes. Although the role of lichens in ecosystems is becoming increasingly recognized, knowledge of their functional performance has only been recently expanding.

In this Special Issue of Microorganisms, entitled “Lichen Functional Traits and Ecosystem Functions”, we aim to increase knowledge on the abovementioned topics through dissemination of the latest research in these areas. We encourage researchers to send their research papers or reviews dealing with numerous aspects of the investigation of lichen functional traits. Some of the potential topics include:

  • Genetic, physiological, or ecological background of lichen traits.
  • Characterization and assessment of ecosystem functions afforded by lichen communities;
  • Applicative studies using lichen functional traits for evaluating the effects of anthropogenic disturbance;
  • Description of new methods for assessing lichen functional traits;
  • Intraspecific variations of lichen functional traits;
  • Interactions between lichens and other organisms that are mediated by functional traits.

Prof. Dr. Paolo Giordani
Prof. Dr. Juri Nascimbene
Prof. Dr. Renato Benesperi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 6799 KiB  
Article
Inhibition of Primary Photosynthesis in Desiccating Antarctic Lichens Differing in Their Photobionts, Thallus Morphology, and Spectral Properties
by Miloš Barták, Josef Hájek, Alla Orekhova, Johana Villagra, Catalina Marín, Götz Palfner and Angélica Casanova-Katny
Microorganisms 2021, 9(4), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040818 - 13 Apr 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2797
Abstract
Five macrolichens of different thallus morphology from Antarctica (King George Island) were used for this ecophysiological study. The effect of thallus desiccation on primary photosynthetic processes was examined. We investigated the lichens’ responses to the relative water content (RWC) in their thalli during [...] Read more.
Five macrolichens of different thallus morphology from Antarctica (King George Island) were used for this ecophysiological study. The effect of thallus desiccation on primary photosynthetic processes was examined. We investigated the lichens’ responses to the relative water content (RWC) in their thalli during the transition from a wet (RWC of 100%) to a dry state (RWC of 0%). The slow Kautsky kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) that was recorded during controlled dehydration (RWC decreased from 100 to 0%) and supplemented with a quenching analysis revealed a polyphasic species-specific response of variable fluorescence. The changes in ChlF at a steady state (Fs), potential and effective quantum yields of photosystem II (FV/FM, ΦPSII), and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) reflected a desiccation-induced inhibition of the photosynthetic processes. The dehydration-dependent fall in FV/FM and ΦPSII was species-specific, starting at an RWC range of 22–32%. The critical RWC for ΦPSII was below 5%. The changes indicated the involvement of protective mechanisms in the chloroplastic apparatus of lichen photobionts at RWCs of below 20%. In both the wet and dry states, the spectral reflectance curves (SRC) (wavelength 400–800 nm) and indices (NDVI, PRI) of the studied lichen species were measured. Black Himantormia lugubris showed no difference in the SRCs between wet and dry state. Other lichens showed a higher reflectance in the dry state compared to the wet state. The lichen morphology and anatomy data, together with the ChlF and spectral reflectance data, are discussed in relation to its potential for ecophysiological studies in Antarctic lichens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lichen Functional Traits and Ecosystem Functions)
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15 pages, 1006 KiB  
Article
Diversity and Physiological Characteristics of Antarctic Lichens-Associated Bacteria
by Hyun-Ju Noh, Yerin Park, Soon Gyu Hong and Yung Mi Lee
Microorganisms 2021, 9(3), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9030607 - 15 Mar 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3683
Abstract
The diversity of lichen-associated bacteria from lichen taxa Cetraria, Cladonia, Megaspora, Pseudephebe, Psoroma, and Sphaerophorus was investigated by sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Physiological characteristics of the cultured bacterial isolates were investigated to understand possible roles in [...] Read more.
The diversity of lichen-associated bacteria from lichen taxa Cetraria, Cladonia, Megaspora, Pseudephebe, Psoroma, and Sphaerophorus was investigated by sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Physiological characteristics of the cultured bacterial isolates were investigated to understand possible roles in the lichen ecosystem. Proteobacteria (with a relative abundance of 69.7–96.7%) were mostly represented by the order Rhodospirillales. The 117 retrieved isolates were grouped into 35 phylotypes of the phyla Actinobacteria (27), Bacteroidetes (6), Deinococcus-Thermus (1), and Proteobacteria (Alphaproteobacteria (53), Betaproteobacteria (18), and Gammaproteobacteria (12)). Hydrolysis of macromolecules such as skim milk, polymer, and (hypo)xanthine, solubilization of inorganic phosphate, production of phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid, and fixation of atmospheric nitrogen were observed in different taxa. The potential phototrophy of the strains of the genus Polymorphobacter which were cultivated from a lichen for the first time was revealed by the presence of genes involved in photosynthesis. Altogether, the physiological characteristics of diverse bacterial taxa from Antarctic lichens are considered to imply significant roles of lichen-associated bacteria to allow lichens to be tolerant or competitive in the harsh Antarctic environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lichen Functional Traits and Ecosystem Functions)
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20 pages, 1297 KiB  
Article
Key Roles of Dipterocarpaceae, Bark Type Diversity and Tree Size in Lowland Rainforests of Northeast Borneo—Using Functional Traits of Lichens to Distinguish Plots of Old Growth and Regenerating Logged Forests
by Holger Thüs, Pat Wolseley, Dan Carpenter, Paul Eggleton, Glen Reynolds, Charles S. Vairappan, Gothamie Weerakoon and Robert J. Mrowicki
Microorganisms 2021, 9(3), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9030541 - 5 Mar 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3102
Abstract
Many lowland rainforests in Southeast Asia are severely altered by selective logging and there is a need for rapid assessment methods to identify characteristic communities of old growth forests and to monitor restoration success in regenerating forests. We have studied the effect of [...] Read more.
Many lowland rainforests in Southeast Asia are severely altered by selective logging and there is a need for rapid assessment methods to identify characteristic communities of old growth forests and to monitor restoration success in regenerating forests. We have studied the effect of logging on the diversity and composition of lichen communities on trunks of trees in lowland rainforests of northeast Borneo dominated by Dipterocarpaceae. Using data from field observations and vouchers collected from plots in disturbed and undisturbed forests, we compared a taxonomy-based and a taxon-free method. Vouchers were identified to genus or genus group and assigned to functional groups based on sets of functional traits. Both datasets allowed the detection of significant differences in lichen communities between disturbed and undisturbed forest plots. Bark type diversity and the proportion of large trees, particularly those belonging to the family Dipterocarpaceae, were the main drivers of lichen community structure. Our results confirm the usefulness of a functional groups approach for the rapid assessment of tropical lowland rainforests in Southeast Asia. A high proportion of Dipterocarpaceae trees is revealed as an essential element for the restoration of near natural lichen communities in lowland rainforests of Southeast Asia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lichen Functional Traits and Ecosystem Functions)
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19 pages, 2369 KiB  
Article
Direct and Indirect Effects of Management Intensity and Environmental Factors on the Functional Diversity of Lichens in Central European Forests
by Steffen Boch, Hugo Saiz, Eric Allan, Peter Schall, Daniel Prati, Ernst-Detlef Schulze, Dominik Hessenmöller, Laurens B. Sparrius and Markus Fischer
Microorganisms 2021, 9(2), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020463 - 23 Feb 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3541
Abstract
Using 642 forest plots from three regions in Germany, we analyzed the direct and indirect effects of forest management intensity and of environmental variables on lichen functional diversity (FDis). Environmental stand variables were affected by management intensity and acted as an environmental filter: [...] Read more.
Using 642 forest plots from three regions in Germany, we analyzed the direct and indirect effects of forest management intensity and of environmental variables on lichen functional diversity (FDis). Environmental stand variables were affected by management intensity and acted as an environmental filter: summing direct and indirect effects resulted in a negative total effect of conifer cover on FDis, and a positive total effect of deadwood cover and standing tree biomass. Management intensity had a direct positive effect on FDis, which was compensated by an indirect negative effect via reduced standing tree biomass and lichen species richness, resulting in a negative total effect on FDis and the FDis of adaptation-related traits (FDisAd). This indicates environmental filtering of management and stronger niche partitioning at a lower intensity. In contrast, management intensity had a positive total effect on the FDis of reproduction-, dispersal- and establishment-related traits (FDisRe), mainly because of the direct negative effect of species richness, indicating functional over-redundancy, i.e., most species cluster into a few over-represented functional entities. Our findings have important implications for forest management: high lichen functional diversity can be conserved by promoting old, site-typical deciduous forests with a high richness of woody species and large deadwood quantity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lichen Functional Traits and Ecosystem Functions)
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11 pages, 1242 KiB  
Article
Morphological and Chemical Traits of Cladonia Respond to Multiple Environmental Factors in Acidic Dry Grasslands
by Gabriele Gheza, Luca Di Nuzzo, Chiara Vallese, Matteo Barcella, Renato Benesperi, Paolo Giordani, Juri Nascimbene and Silvia Assini
Microorganisms 2021, 9(2), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020453 - 22 Feb 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3415
Abstract
Terricolous lichen communities in lowlands occur especially in open dry habitats. Such communities are often dominated by species of the genus Cladonia, which are very variable in morphology, reproduction strategies, and secondary metabolites. In this work, we investigated traits-environment relationships considering vegetation [...] Read more.
Terricolous lichen communities in lowlands occur especially in open dry habitats. Such communities are often dominated by species of the genus Cladonia, which are very variable in morphology, reproduction strategies, and secondary metabolites. In this work, we investigated traits-environment relationships considering vegetation dynamics, substrate pH, disturbance, and climate. A total of 122 plots were surveyed in 41 acidic dry grasslands in the western Po Plain (Northern Italy). Relationships between Cladonia traits and environmental variables were investigated by means of a model-based Fourth Corner Analysis. Thallus morphology and metabolites responded to vegetation dynamics, substrate pH, disturbance, and climate, whereas reproduction strategies responded only to vegetation dynamics. Traits’ correlations with vegetation dynamics elucidate their colonization patterns in open dry habitats or suggest biotic interactions with bryophytes and vascular plants. In addition, correlations between metabolites and environmental factors support interpretations of their ecological roles. Our results also stress the importance of studying traits’ relationships with climatic factors as an alert towards lichen reactions to climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lichen Functional Traits and Ecosystem Functions)
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14 pages, 1843 KiB  
Article
Contrasting Environmental Drivers Determine Biodiversity Patterns in Epiphytic Lichen Communities along a European Gradient
by Pilar Hurtado, María Prieto, Francesco de Bello, Gregorio Aragón, Jesús López-Angulo, Paolo Giordani, Eva María Díaz-Peña, Rebeca Vicente, Sonia Merinero, Alica Košuthová, Renato Benesperi, Elisabetta Bianchi, Helmut Mayrhofer, Juri Nascimbene, Martin Grube, Mats Wedin, Martin Westberg and Isabel Martínez
Microorganisms 2020, 8(12), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8121913 - 1 Dec 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3587
Abstract
Assessing the ecological impacts of environmental change on biological communities requires knowledge of the factors driving the spatial patterns of the three diversity facets along extensive environmental gradients. We quantified the taxonomic (TD), functional (FD), and phylogenetic diversity (PD) of lichen epiphytic communities [...] Read more.
Assessing the ecological impacts of environmental change on biological communities requires knowledge of the factors driving the spatial patterns of the three diversity facets along extensive environmental gradients. We quantified the taxonomic (TD), functional (FD), and phylogenetic diversity (PD) of lichen epiphytic communities in 23 beech forests along Europe to examine their response to environmental variation (climate, habitat quality, spatial predictors) at a continental geographic scale. We selected six traits related to the climatic conditions in forest ecosystems, the water-use strategy and the nutrient uptake, and we built a phylogenetic tree based on four molecular markers. FD and climate determined TD and PD, with spatial variables also affecting PD. The three diversity facets were primarily shaped by distinct critical predictors, with the temperature diurnal range affecting FD and PD, and precipitation of the wettest month determining TD. Our results emphasize the value of FD for explaining part of TD and PD variation in lichen communities at a broad geographic scale, while highlighting that these diversity facets provide complementary information about the communities’ response under changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, traits such as growth form, photobiont type, and reproductive strategy mediated the response of lichen communities to abiotic factors emerging as useful indicators of macroclimatic variations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lichen Functional Traits and Ecosystem Functions)
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Review

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27 pages, 1398 KiB  
Review
Functional Traits in Lichen Ecology: A Review of Challenge and Opportunity
by Christopher J. Ellis, Johan Asplund, Renato Benesperi, Cristina Branquinho, Luca Di Nuzzo, Pilar Hurtado, Isabel Martínez, Paula Matos, Juri Nascimbene, Pedro Pinho, María Prieto, Bernardo Rocha, Clara Rodríguez-Arribas, Holger Thüs and Paolo Giordani
Microorganisms 2021, 9(4), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040766 - 6 Apr 2021
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 10030
Abstract
Community ecology has experienced a major transition, from a focus on patterns in taxonomic composition, to revealing the processes underlying community assembly through the analysis of species functional traits. The power of the functional trait approach is its generality, predictive capacity such as [...] Read more.
Community ecology has experienced a major transition, from a focus on patterns in taxonomic composition, to revealing the processes underlying community assembly through the analysis of species functional traits. The power of the functional trait approach is its generality, predictive capacity such as with respect to environmental change, and, through linkage of response and effect traits, the synthesis of community assembly with ecosystem function and services. Lichens are a potentially rich source of information about how traits govern community structure and function, thereby creating opportunity to better integrate lichens into ‘mainstream’ ecological studies, while lichen ecology and conservation can also benefit from using the trait approach as an investigative tool. This paper brings together a range of author perspectives to review the use of traits in lichenology, particularly with respect to European ecosystems from the Mediterranean to the Arctic-Alpine. It emphasizes the types of traits that lichenologists have used in their studies, both response and effect, the bundling of traits towards the evolution of life-history strategies, and the critical importance of scale (both spatial and temporal) in functional trait ecology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lichen Functional Traits and Ecosystem Functions)
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