Evolutionary history of two rare endemic conifer species from the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Understanding the population genetics and evolutionary history of endangered species is urgently needed in an era of accelerated biodiversity loss. This knowledge is most important for regions with high endemism that are ecologically vulnerable, such as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP).

Methods

The genetic variation of 84 juniper trees from six populations of Juniperus microsperma and one population of Juniperus erectopatens, two narrow-endemic junipers from the QTP that are sister to each other, was surveyed using RNA-sequencing data. Coalescent-based analyses were used to test speciation, migration and demographic scenarios. Furthermore, positively selected and climate-associated genes were identified, and the genetic load was assessed for both species.<

SUBMITTER: Miao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8577208 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature