Researchers from the University of Freiburg have evaluated whether Takakia lepidozioides, an exceptionally ancient and rapidly growing algae-like plant, can withstand the pressures of a warming world. The study details are published in a leading biology journal, highlighting concerns about long-term survival as climate patterns shift.
Takakia lepidozioides, a moss-like organism believed to have appeared hundreds of millions of years ago, has been observed on icy cliffs and elevated terrains across parts of the Tibetan Plateau, as well as locations in Japan and the United States. Over a ten-year period, a collaborative team conducted field climbs to some of the globe’s loftiest ranges, obtained and decoded the genome for the first time, and tracked how changing climate influences this unique species.
Genome sequencing indicates that Takakia belongs to a lineage of algae and bryophytes with remarkable growth rates. The lineage has persisted for roughly a hundred million years, adapting as mountain uplift and habitat shifts reshaped living conditions. The organism appears particularly adept at surviving extreme snow events and repairing DNA damage caused by intense solar exposure, traits that have helped it endure through dramatic environmental changes.
Analyses combining satellite weather data with direct field observations reveal a warming trend and rapid glacier retreat in its alpine habitats. This combination increases exposure to ultraviolet radiation and shifts in moisture regimes, potentially outpacing the algae’s ability to keep pace with rapid climate change. Projections suggest the population could decline steadily if current conditions persist, with some sites losing a measurable share of their Takakia communities each year. A future scenario might see the species retreat to smaller, isolated pockets or face local extinction in parts of its range.
As researchers monitored the plants in experimental settings, they attempted propagation in controlled environments and then transplantation to Tibet for long-term study. After several years of observation, some transplanted individuals demonstrated improved resilience and survival compared with start-up populations, indicating a possible path toward stabilizing or delaying loss in Takakia populations. This finding offers a glimmer of hope and informs ongoing efforts to conserve alpine bryophytes in a rapidly changing climate. (Source: University of Freiburg researchers)
Despite genome changes over time, the core structure of Takakia has remained relatively conserved. This pattern raises questions about how much genetic variation is needed before the physical form of an organism shifts, and it touches on broader questions about how life adapts at the genomic level under environmental stress. The researchers suggest that studying this lineage could illuminate new directions in evolutionary biology, particularly regarding how genome organization relates to the physical architecture of organisms.
Historically, Takakia inhabited some of the deepest and least understood ecosystems, including regions once covered by ancient oceans. As climate dynamics alter these environments, scientists are attentive to how such organisms persist and what their responses reveal about resilience in other plant groups. (Attribution: findings from the Freiburg team)