Concealed truth: Modeling reveals unique Quaternary distribution dynamics and refugia of four related endemic keystone Abies taxa on the Tibetan Plateau.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the factors driving the Quaternary distribution of Abies in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is crucial for biodiversity conservation and for predicting future anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems. Here, we collected Quaternary paleo-, palynological, and phylogeographical records from across the TP and applied ecological niche models (ENMs) to obtain a profound understanding of the different adaptation strategies and distributional changes in Abies trees in this unique area. We identified environmental variables affecting the different historical biogeographies of four related endemic Abies taxa and rebuilt their distribution patterns over different time periods, starting from the late Pleistocene. In addition, modeling and phylogeographic results were used to pre

SUBMITTER: Xiong Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6953664 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature