Variation in the reproductive strategy of a lichenized fungus along a climatic gradient

Abstract

This study highlights the applicability of the life history theory to fungi and to modes of reproduction other than sexual reproduction. Based on the intraspecific variation in the asexual reproductive strategy of a fungal organism with climatic factors, these findings expand the scope of life history theory predictions and increase our understanding of life history diversity and reproductive strategies across environments.

Intraspecific life history variation in contrasting habitats: Insights from an obligate symbiotic organism

“…The slow‐growing epiphytic individuals started to reproduce at smaller sizes than their fast‐growing saxicolous counterparts. This result is consistent with a previous large‐scale study across a climatic gradient (Merinero et al, 2017), which showed that the threshold size for reproduction increased consistently with increasing rainfall. Thus, these results agree with theory (Stearns and Koella, 1986; Kozłowski and Uchmanski, 1987; Stearns, 1992; Kozłowski and Teriokhin, 1999) and evidence from sexually reproducing plants suggesting that slow‐growing specimens are more likely to start reproduction at smaller sizes (Young, 1985; Lacey, 1986; Wesselingh et al, 1997).…”

“…In agreement with other studies in boreal (Hilmo et al, 2011a, 2013) and Mediterranean climates (Merinero et al, 2017), the probability of asexual reproduction by L. scrobiculata was size dependent (Fig. 3).…”

“…Therefore, this species allocated more resources to reproduction in the habitat with slower growth rates and smaller reproductive size. This pattern coincides with the reproductive strategy documented across a climatic gradient in a previous study, where L. scrobiculata had higher reproductive allocation and a smaller reproductive size in drier unfavorable locations (Merinero et al, 2017). Two nonexclusive mechanisms may underlie this reproductive allocation pattern.…”

“…For instance, lichen growth depends on water, light, and the nutrient availability balance (Palmqvist, 2000). Growth is important because the onset of both sexual and asexual reproduction is known to depend on size in a few foliose species (e.g., Hestmark, 1992; Ramstad and Hestmark, 2001; Pringle et al, 2003; Hilmo et al, 2013; Rubio‐Salcedo et al, 2015; Merinero et al, 2017). Contrasting habitats can vary in terms of their microclimate; thus, the patterns of lichen growth and reproduction may differ (e.g., Sillet and McCune, 1998; Hilmo et al, 2011a; Merinero et al, 2015).…”

Preliminary checklist of the lichen-forming and lichenicolous fungi of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain)

“…Ab: Aragón and Rico (1997), Martínez (1999b, 2003), Aragón et al (2001), , CR: Sarrión et al (1993), Burgaz et al (1994a), , Fuertes et al (1996), Martínez (1999b, 2003), Aragón et al (2001), Martínez et al (2003), , Prieto et al (2015), Merinero et al (2017b), Gu: Burgos and Burgaz (1988), , Martínez (1999b, 2003), Aragón et al (2001), Martínez et al (2003), Merinero et al (2017a, b), Hurtado et al (2020a, b, c, d), To: Martínez et al (1993Martínez et al ( , 2003, Burgaz et al (1994a), Martinez (1995, 1997), Vázquez and Burgaz (1996), Martínez (1999b, 2003), Aragón et al (2001), , Merinero et al (2017b).…”