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Coastal Lichens

Distribution Patterns and Adaptive Strategies

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Handbook of Halophytes

Abstract

Lichens are a symbiotic complex of autotrophic (algae, Cyanobacteria) and heterotrophic (fungi) components that have developed during evolution in coastal ecosystems in the process of adaptation of algae and fungi to terrestrial habitats. Lichens are highly adapted to extreme habitats including the littoral (or intertidal) zones of coasts. In this chapter, we present developmental stages of aquatic lichen investigations: freshwater and marine lichens. The issues of species diversity of coastal lichens, their ecology, and adaptations to the coastal marine environment are described. The leading factors affected the epilithic lichen cover of coasts, and freshwater habitats are at a distance from the waterline and substrate characteristics. Substrate characteristics, especially near the waterline, depend on the wave rhythm. On the coasts of freshwater bodies, four zones are recognized based on flooding duration and lichen ecology. Lichen zones of fresh and marine coasts are distinguished by their species composition: on sea coasts halophytes are predominant and on freshwater shores – hydrophilic lichens. Marker species of lichens were identified for each zone. For the littoral zone, the intrazonal structure of lichen flora was shown. In the adaptation of symbiotic organisms, such as lichens, both symbionts take part: mycobiont and photobiont. Morphological and structural adaptations are mainly associated with mycobiont variability: the presence of morphotypes, structural features of the reproductive organs, and anatomical layers. Photobiont is responsible for functional adaptations: the variability of the amount of photosynthetic pigments and the synthesis of various substances that ensure the resistance of lichen to salt stress. The photobiont provides synthesis of osmolytes, and these process patterns can change depending on the photobiont species (strain), as well as for one photobiont in different coastal conditions. The distribution of epilithic lichen species on the coasts is therefore also ensured by the functions of the photobiont. The important component of the lichen association is the microbial complex; however its role in adapting lichens to coastal environment is still not clear. The perspective of studying coastal lichens is determined by a rather poor knowledge of species diversity and ecology of this group, including physiology, biochemistry, and genetics based on modern research methods.

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  1. Petrozavodsk State University, Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia, Russia

    Angella V. Sonina & Vera I. Androsova

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  1. Angella V. Sonina
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  2. Vera I. Androsova
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  1. Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania

    Marius-Nicusor Grigore

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  1. Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași, Iasi, Romania

    Marius-Nicusor Grigore

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Sonina, A.V., Androsova, V.I. (2021). Coastal Lichens. In: Grigore, MN. (eds) Handbook of Halophytes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57635-6_34

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