Mapping the genetic patterns of plants in the region of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: Implications for conservation strategies

Abstract

Aim: Species diversity in the region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has been extensively explored, whereas the distribution of genetic diversity remains poorly understood in this species-rich area, parts of which are listed as biodiversity hotspots. In this study, we aimed to map the patterns of genetic diversity and divergence of plant species in this region, and to identify potential evolutionary hotspots for conservation planning.Location: Region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). Methods:We compiled published molecular data for 60 plant species, and calculated intra-population genetic diversity and inter-population genetic divergence using haplotype sequences (chloroplast or mitochondrial DNA). We analysed the relationships between genetic diversity and longitude, latitude and elevation. We mapped the landscapes of genetic diversity and divergence for each species in GIS, and combined the resulting landscapes in order to identify hotspots of high genetic diversity and divergence.Results: There were no significant relationships between genetic diversity and longitude, latitude and elevation. For most species, areas characterized by high genetic diversity and divergence were located across the Hengduan Mountains. Nine evolutionary hotspots across the region of the QTP were identified. Main conclusions:The Hengduan Mountains are a remarkable hotspot of all three dimensions of biodiversity (genes, species and ecosystems), yet patterns of genetic diversity were partially incongruent with the distribution of species diversity. For example, several hotspots of genetic diversity were located on the QTP proper, which is relatively species poor. This partial geographic mismatch between species and genetic diversity highlights the need to consider both aspects in conservation programs. Our study suggests that more protected areas in the region of the QTP need to be established in order to protect genetic diversity and thus adaptive potential. K E Y W O R D Sbiodiversity conservation, comparative phylogeography, evolutionary hotspots, genetic divergence, genetic diversity, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Quaternary refugia | 311 YU et al. Pedicularis kansuensisA,

The flickering connectivity system of the north Andean páramos

“…Several insightful schematic representations of Pleistocene diversification models in the Neotropics have been developed in recent years (Flantua & Hooghiemstra, ; Hazzi, Moreno, Ortiz‐Movliav, & Palacio, ; Ramírez‐Barahona & Eguiarte, ; Rull, ). Phylogeographical and phylogenetic synthesis work within and among páramo taxa is currently still largely lacking (see for instance Yu et al., for the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau), inhibiting the direct testing of these models. However, here we highlight several recent studies that are considered valuable in the light of the flickering connectivity system reconstruction (see Table ), emphasizing the expectation that the rapidly growing body of phylogeographical/phylogenetic literature in the region will support future comparative analyses.…”

Using demographic model selection to untangle allopatric divergence and diversification mechanisms in the Rheum palmatum complex in the Eastern Asiatic Region

“…During warmer interglacial periods populations expanded again resulting in higher genetic diversity in glacial refugia compared to less diversity in populations along recolonization routes (Provan & Bennett, 2008). Several refugia have been proposed in the EAR based on numerous phylogeographical studies, some of which coincide with regions of high species richness and genetic diversity (Qiu et al., 2011; Yu, Deane, et al., 2019; Yu, Favre, et al., 2019). Secondly, large‐scale geological events such as the tectonic uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) in the Cenozoic have had a significant impact on the diversification of species in this region (Favre et al., 2015; Liu et al., 2012; Wen et al., 2014).…”

Genomic insight into “sky island” species diversification in a mountainous biodiversity hotspot

“…This hypothesis is partly supported by the following two lines of evidence. First, genetic divergence between the scattered populations of sky islands is high, with unique haplotypes in different mountains whose origins can be dated to the Pleistocene climatic oscillations (He & Jiang, ; Yu et al, ). Second, origins of some species endemic to sky islands can be attributed to environmental and climatic changes (Robin et al, ).…”

“…The results from studying these five species could offer further insights into the origin and evolution of other sky island species in the genus. In addition, the sky island species are expected to show high genetic divergence between species or populations isolated in different mountaintops due to genetic drift (He & Jiang, ; Yu et al, ). These strong isolations might have also reduced the chance of each species or population hybridizing with each other.…”