Phylogenetic and ecological determinants of fungi-algae-bacteria associations in lichens along latitudinal and elevational gradients

This research project aims at gaining a broad-scale view on fungus-algae-bacteria interactions along a latitudinal (southern Polar Regions) and elevational gradient (Alps). These gradients have overlapping climate conditions and will be compared. A novel perspective on community ecology with implications for climate change and its effects on southern South American, Antarctic and Alpine organisms will be provided.