RESEARCH
LINES
Our research focuses on the description and interpretation of biodiversity and the functioning of the most extreme terrestrial ecosystems, which are usually dominated by lichens and bryophytes, mainly in Antarctica and sub-Antarctic regions, but also in the Arctic, in high mountains and in arid areas
Our general objective is to achieve a better understanding of the functioning of these organisms in natural conditions and how the main climatic factors influence their growth rate and, therefore, their contribution of biomass to the ecosystem. Our purpose would be to create robust models that will allow us to integrate the productivity and diversity of these communities and predict their behaviour under a scenario of Global Change.
OUR GROUP’S MAIN RESEARCH LINES ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Ecophysiology of lichens and mosses under natural conditions in extreme environments
Photosynthetic performance of lichens from extreme environments
Main drivers of lichen and bryophyte diversity in Antarctica
Lichen growth in high mountains and polar regions in relation to environmental gradients and climate change (Lichenometry)
Lichen survival in outer space and in Mars simulated environments (Astrobiology)