Lake Baikal is home to many species that are found nowhere else in nature. Among green algae such endemics are more than half of the total number: 52,2%. However, it is still unknown to science how these algae evolved.
In 2023, the Baikal Museum of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences presented a project to study algae of the genera Draparnaldioides, Ireksokonia and Myxonemopsis. The scientists set themselves the task of studying phylogenetic relationships and reconstructing the “family tree” of algae, as well as expanding information on these Baikal endemics and adding to the world databases on algae.
The Lake Baikal Foundation supported the project under the grant programme for the conservation of rare, endangered and endemic species of the Baikal Natural Area.
What are these algae?
Green algae are rather small plants vegetating and reproducing all year round. Endemics live mostly along the open shores of Baikal.
These algae play an important role in the functioning of the phytobenthos of Baikal (a set of plant organisms living on the lake bottom). However, it is extremely difficult to study them – Draparnaldioides, Ireksokonia and Myxonemopsis cannot be cultivated and maintained in artificial, laboratory conditions for a long time.
Work progress
The expedition work was carried out on the Angara River. Divers were needed to collect algae. However, transporting the samples to the laboratory is no less difficult. The algae must be kept in cold Baikal water and avoid direct sunlight.
From June to October, samples were collected, herbarised and DNA extracted using a dredge and divers. In the course of the sampling, there were some surprises – for example, the genus Myxonemopsis was found in a single specimen in a place that had not been previously mentioned as a habitat zone (Krestovka settlement).
In the course of the work, an experiment was set – scientists made an attempt to preserve algae of the genus Draparnaldioides in the conditions of a unique aquarium complex on the basis of the Baikal Museum of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which is part of Lake Baikal and has no analogues in the world. Thanks to this, the life span of the algae was four weeks.
Under laboratory conditions, a record period of two weeks was considered to be a record – with regular water changes and aeration. In addition, under laboratory conditions, algae degradation was already observed after one week. This experiment is important for the conservation of endemic species.
Interim research results
- A total of 70 specimens of endemic species of Draparnaldioides, Ireksokonia and Myxonemopsis were collected from July to October. The recorded specimens became a part of the permanent exposition of the museum “The Living World of Baikal under the microscope”.
- The taxonomic status of 4 species of Draparnaldioides was confirmed using molecular genetic analysis, and evidence for the existence of one more type (Olkhon mophotype) was obtained.
- Bioinformatics analyses of the data obtained have been initiated.
- Information on Baikal endemic algae has been entered into the international algae database AlgaeBase.
At present, the project is not yet completed – the work on molecular-genetic identification of the selected specimens is in progress, it is planned to clarify the taxonomic status of the existing species and forms, to reconstruct their evolutionary history, and to prepare a manuscript describing the Olkhon mophotype of Draparnaldioides species.
The results obtained will contribute to understanding the mechanisms of formation of endemic Baikal flora and enriching international databases with information on macophytes, which play an important role in the Baikal ecosystem. In addition, the results of the research will be used during excursions in the Baikal Museum of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which is annually visited by about 100,000 people. Thus, the evolution of Baikal algae will no longer be a mystery.
On 28 August, on Baikal Day, the Baikal Museum is planning to hold a seminar on the life and activities of the famous Russian algologist Lyudmila Alexandrovna Izhboldina, where the results of the project will be presented.
The project was made possible thanks to the support of Siberian Wellness, the corporate trustee of the World Around You Foundation; the “Need Help” and “Code of Good” Foundations; and the Christmas fundraising fair “Khoroshkola”.