Antarctic granites metadata

The Antarctic continent harbors unique ecosystems, including diverse microbial communities inhabiting rocky substrates. Despite extensive research on Antarctic microbial ecology, a gap in knowledge persists regarding the comparative analysis of microbial communities associated with Antarctic granite and epilithic lichen environments. This study addresses the lack of research on both endolithic communities in granite and epilithic communities represented by lichens in Antarctica. Moreover, this study represents the first comparative analysis between these two ecologies, providing valuable insights into their microbial diversity and composition. We addressed this gap by conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis of microbial communities colonizing granite surfaces in Antarctica, focusing on both endolithic and epilithic niches. Through high-throughput sequencing approaches, we characterized the fungal and bacterial diversity associated with these environments. Our results revealed distinct differences between endolithic and epilithic communities in terms of diversity and composition. Endolithic communities exhibited higher microbial diversity, likely influenced by a combination of environmental factors and the complex interplay between lichens and other microorganisms. Moreover, cyanobacteria were found to play a significant role in endolithic communities, demonstrating their adaptability to low-light conditions and their importance in nutrient cycling. Overall, our findings shed light on the ecological dynamics of microbial communities in extreme environments and highlight the importance of further research to elucidate their roles in Antarctic ecosystems.