Unraveling species diversification and niche separation in Phedimus Kamtschaticus and P. aizoon using RAD-seq data and ecological niche modeling.

ABSTRACT: Ecological speciation progresses along a continuum, beginning with population divergence and culminating in reproductive isolation. Defining species boundaries becomes particularly challenging when ecological divergence occurs despite morphological similarity, yet precise delineation is essential for biodiversity assessment and conservation. Phedimus aizoon and P. kamtschaticus, two perennial herbs, exemplify this challenge, exhibiting high morphological similarity despite distinct habitat preferences. To investigate their divergence, we genotyped 80 individuals from these two species, along with a reference species, using 5,051 SNPs. Integrating morphometric and phylogenetic analysis and environmental niche modeling, our study provides compelling evidence that ecological factors have driv

SUBMITTER: Choi TY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12808185 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature