Trebouxia decolorans (Algae:Lace Lichen)

*Image by Miguel Varona, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

about the species

Trebouxia decolorans is a unicellular green alga that serves as the primary photosynthetic partner of Ramalina menziesii. It contributes energy to the lichen symbiosis and influences lichen growth, distribution, and environmental tolerance. This alga is an integral component of coastal California lichen communities and plays a key role in sustaining lichen-based ecosystems.

why species was selected

Trebouxia decolorans was selected to complement genomic studies of lace lichen by capturing the algal partner. Genomic data can illuminate co-evolution, symbiotic specificity, and adaptive responses, advancing understanding of multi-partner conservation genomics in California ecosystems.

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