Current Affairs: Passage of the Week - 21 July 2025 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
A team of Indian scientists has uncovered a previously unknown species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, from the richly biodiverse Western Ghats, carrying within it a tale of symbiosis, evolution and resilience.
Lichens are not just one organism but two (sometimes more) living in intimate symbiosis: a fungus that offers structure and protection, and a photobiont (usually a green alga or cyanobacterium) that captures sunlight and makes food. Despite their humble appearance, lichens play critical roles in ecosystems, building soil, feeding insects and serving as nature’s bioindicators.
The study by MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, combined classical taxonomy with modern molecular tools, setting new molecular benchmarks for the genus in the region.
The newly identified species, a crustose lichen with striking effuse soredia and comparably rare chemical traits, (harbouring chemical called norstictic acid, considered rare in comparison to other morphologically similar species within the genus Allographa) was studied in detail using morphological, chemical and advanced molecular techniques. This integrative approach also unveiled its algal partner, a Trentepohlia species, adding to the sparse but growing understanding of photobiont diversity in tropical lichens.
Using DNA sequencing across multiple genetic markers (mtSSU, LSU, RPB2 for the fungal partner and ITS for the algal symbiont), the researchers placed A. effusosoredica phylogenetically close to Allographa xanthospora. Interestingly, the lichen’s morphology mimics that of Graphis glaucescens, raising evolutionary questions about generic boundaries in the Graphidaceae family.
“This is the first Indian species of Allographa ever sequenced from India (This species, discovered in India, is the first Allographa from the country to be supported by molecular data.,” says the study team, which includes researchers. “It also sheds light on lichen-algal symbiosis, reinforcing the concept of locally adapted photobionts.”
The study, led by Ansil P. A., Rajeshkumar K. C., Sruthi O. P., and Bharati O. Sharma, marks a major step forward in understanding symbiotic life forms and their hidden genetic complexity. It contributes to India’s growing lichen inventory. This publication arises from a research project sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) (formerly SERB), titled "Unravelling the symbiosis of algal and fungal partners in lichen family Graphidaceae and Parmeliaceae from the Western Ghats through polyphasic taxonomic approach and ecological studies".
Allographa effusosoredica becomes the 53rd species from the genus reported from India and the 22nd from the Western Ghats alone. The study emphasizes the urgent need for more molecular work on Indian lichen diversity, especially in biodiversity hotspots.
[Excerpt from PIB "New Lichen Species in Western Ghats" Dated 21/07/25]

Q1: What is the name of the newly discovered lichen species in the Western Ghats?
(a) Allographa xanthospora
(b) Graphis glaucescens
(c) Allographa effusosoredica
(d) Trentepohlia

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Sol: The newly discovered species is Allographa effusosoredica, identified by Indian researchers in the Western Ghats.

Q2: Which acid was found in Allographa effusosoredica, making it unique among related species?
(a) Nitric acid
(b) Norstictic acid
(c) Lactic acid
(d) Sulphuric acid

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
Sol: The species contains norstictic acid, a rare trait among similar lichens.

Q3: What role does the photobiont play in the symbiotic relationship in lichens?
(a) Provides structure
(b) Absorbs water
(c) Performs photosynthesis
(d) Protects from predators

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Ans: (c)
Sol: The photobiont (green algae or cyanobacteria) performs photosynthesis to produce food for the lichen.

Q4: Which algal genus was identified as the photobiont partner in Allographa effusosoredica?
(a) Chlorophyta
(b) Nostoc
(c) Ulva
(d) Trentepohlia

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Ans: (d)
Sol: Trentepohlia was identified as the algal partner in the newly discovered lichen species.

Q5: What is a major contribution of the discovery of Allographa effusosoredica to Indian biodiversity?
(a) It reduced the number of lichen species in India
(b) It is the first fungus found in the Himalayas
(c) It is the first Indian Allographa species supported by DNA sequencing
(d) It confirmed that lichens are not symbiotic

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Sol: The discovery is significant as it is the first Allographa species from India confirmed through DNA sequencing.