Local ecological divergence of two closely related stag beetles based on genetic, morphological, and environmental analyses.

ABSTRACT: The process of phenotypic adaptation to the environments is widely recognized. However, comprehensive studies integrating phylogenetic, phenotypic, and ecological approaches to assess this process are scarce. Our study aims to assess whether local adaptation may explain intraspecific differentiation by quantifying multidimensional differences among populations in closely related lucanid species, Platycerus delicatulus and Platycerus kawadai, which are endemic saproxylic beetles in Japan. First, we determined intraspecific analysis units based on nuclear and mitochondrial gene analyses of Platycerus delicatulus and Platycerus kawadai under sympatric and allopatric conditions. Then, we compared differences in morphology and environmental niche between populations

SUBMITTER: Zhang SN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9013855 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature