Pleistocene climate fluctuations as the major driver of genetic diversity and distribution patterns of the Caspian green lizard, Lacerta strigata Eichwald, 1831.

ABSTRACT: Green lizards of the genus Lacerta have served as excellent models for studying the impact of Pleistocene climatic oscillations on genetic structures. The Caspian green lizard, Lacerta strigata, occupies various habitats across the Caucasus and the South Caspian Sea, with the Hyrcanian Forests and north of the Alborz Mountains forming the core of the range. This study aimed to re-examine the phylogenetic relationships of L. strigata with other congeneric members and to assess the genetic structure and historical demography of the species. Furthermore, Species Distribution Models (SDMs) were performed to infer the species' potential habitat suitability and were then projected on climate scenarios reflecting current and past (6 ky and 21 ky before present) conditions. A

SUBMITTER: Saberi-Pirooz R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8207146 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature