Date of Award
Spring 6-13-2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
John Dean, PhD
Second Advisor
Felix Grewe, PhD
Abstract
Cladia aggregata is a group of lichen-forming fungi comprising multiple species which are difficult to differentiate. C. aggregata has a wide distribution on several different continents but is primarily found in the southern hemisphere. We aimed to further delimit the species complex while also investigating the relatedness of the different species, where they can be found geographically, and what phenotypic traits they possess. We used Restriction Site Associated DNA Sequencing (RAD-seq) to compare thousands of loci across 91 individuals from the Americas, Asia, and Australasia. All Asian samples formed a distinct clade in all phylogenetic trees. Asia, as a distinct group, was compared to C. aggregata sensu stricto (strict sense) to investigate if the Asian populations are a different species. All of our analyses suggest the Asian samples are genetically distinct and form a monophyletic clade. We propose this Asian clade is a newly identified species we call Cladia vividus. There are also genetically distinct populations in South America and the Caribbean. Our analysis suggests the C. aggregata complex is more diverse than previously thought and this highlights the need for further research into the taxonomy and phylogenetics of this species complex and lichen in general.
Recommended Citation
de Abreu, John, "Global Patterns of Genetic Diversity and Species Delimitation in the Lichen-Forming Fungus Cladia aggregata: A Restriction Site Associated DNA Sequencing (RAD-seq) Analysis Across Neotropical, Australasian, and Asian Populations" (2025). College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations. 571.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/csh_etd/571
SLP Collection
no