Genomic analyses reveal three phylogenetic species and their evolutionary histories in the big-headed turtle.

ABSTRACT: The critically endangered big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is currently classified into three subspecies. However, the classification is still controversial and their evolutionary histories are still unclear. Here, multiple genetic analyses consistently revealed three phylogenetic groups with substantial genetic divergences and distinct demographic histories, suggesting three phylogenetic species (P. megacephalum, P. peguense, and Baise clade). Phylogeographical analyses revealed that the Red River plains and Guangxi basins are largely coincident with the boundaries between the three phylogenetic species, highlighting the key role of lowland areas in driving speciation in the big-headed turtle. The Baise clade is characterized by high-linkage disequilibriu

SUBMITTER: Gong S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10393795 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature