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The genus Cladonia is one of the most diverse genera of lichenized fungi, with over 500 known species encompassing an array of morphologies and habits. These lichens form keystone species in many habitats and serve a variety of ecological roles. As in most lichens, phylogenetic study has been limited by the loci used, and adoption of next-generation sequence methods has been slow. Cladonia is also understudied in terms of conservation, with only a handful of species in the genus assessed with IUCN Red List guidelines. In this seminar, Ph.D. candidate Jordan Hoffman presents his dissertation research aimed at addressing gaps in the scientific understanding of this important lichen genus. The results of his work include assembling mitochondrial genomes and other molecular data for Cladonia; providing the first intraspecific comparison of lichen mitochondrial genomes and homing endonuclease genes; establishing molecular support for multiple distinct species including one new to science; and contributing to a steadily growing body of conservation assessments, of which lichens are desperately in need.

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Each month, NYBG EcoFlora announces a new Challenge where we need your help to document the flora and fauna of New York City by taking and sharing photos via iNaturalist, an easy-to-use mobile App.

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Check our Spring-Summer 2021 Catalog for course offerings.