Journal of Technology and Science
Duke University
Lichen evolved on 2 tracks, like marsupials and mammals
May 22nd, 2011
DURHAM, N.C. - Lichen, those drab, fuzzy growths found on rocks and trees, aren't as cuddly and charismatic as kangaroos or intriguing as opossums, but they could be a fungal equivalent, at least evolutionarily. A Duke research team has found that lichen that seem identical in all outward appearances and produce the same internal chemicals are in fact two different species, one living in North America and one in Australia. They're an example of "convergent evolution," in which two species evolve separately but end up looking very similar, like the Tasmanian wolf and the American wolf. The lichens developed the same adaptations to survive and thrive in...
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Source: Journal of Technology and Science (2011-05-22)
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