ascolichenization

Ascolichenization is a biological process where lichens, which are composite organisms formed from the symbiotic association of fungi (ascomycetes) and algae or cyanobacteria, undergo a significant change in their fungal component. Specifically, it refers to the transformation of certain lichen-forming fungi, or the entire lichen thallus, into a form that is no longer able to reproduce sexually or asexually in its typical lichenized state. This can occur due to various environmental stressors, genetic mutations, or interference with the symbiotic relationship. The fungal partner in ascolichenization may revert to a saprophytic or parasitic lifestyle, or its hyphae may become disorganized and lose their characteristic lichen structure. The algal or cyanobacterial partner may also be affected, potentially becoming free-living or dying off. This phenomenon is of interest to lichenologists studying fungal evolution, symbiosis, and the resilience of lichen species in changing environments. While not a universally applied term, ascolichenization highlights the dynamic nature of lichen biology and the potential for disruptions in this ancient symbiotic partnership.