Genetic differentiation and historical dynamics of the endemic species Rheum pumilum on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau inferred from phylogeography implications.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rheum pumilum, an endemic species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), serves as an ideal material for investigating the phylogeography of alpine plants. This study employs chloroplast DNA fragments (trnL-F, trnS-G, and matK) to delve into how Rh. pumilum adapted to the extreme environmental changes on the QTP, during its evolutionary process through phylogenetic geographical analysis, revealing its population differentiation and historical dynamics.

Results

The examination of 39 haplotypes across 26 populations of Rh. pumilum reveals distinct regional distribution, reflecting a phylogeographic pattern resembling "alpine-island". The total genetic diversity of Rh. pumilum is remarkably high (Ht = 0.910), with the majority of genetic variation primarily occurred a

SUBMITTER: Liu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11803965 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature