The evolution of ancestral and species-specific adaptations in snowfinches at the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Species in a shared environment tend to evolve similar adaptations under the influence of their phylogenetic context. Using snowfinches, a monophyletic group of passerine birds (Passeridae), we study the relative roles of ancestral and species-specific adaptations to an extreme high-elevation environment, the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Our ancestral trait reconstruction shows that the ancestral snowfinch occupied high elevations and had a larger body mass than most nonsnowfinches in Passeridae. Subsequently, this phenotypic adaptation diversified in the descendant species. By comparing high-quality genomes from representatives of the three phylogenetic lineages, we find that about 95% of genes under positive selection in the descendant species are different from those in the ancestor. Consistently, the biological functions enriched for these species differ from those of their ancestor to various degrees (semantic similarity values ranging from 0.27 to 0.5), suggesting that the three descendant species have evolved divergently from the initial adaptation in their common ancestor. Using a functional assay to a highly selective gene, DTL, we demonstrate that the nonsynonymous substitutions in the ancestor and descendant species have improved the repair capacity of ultraviolet-induced DNA damage. The repair kinetics of the DTL gene shows a twofold to fourfold variation across the ancestor and the descendants. Collectively, this study reveals an exceptional case of adaptive evolution to high-elevation environments, an evolutionary process with an initial adaptation in the common ancestor followed by adaptive diversification of the descendant species.

Download Full-text

Hydrometeorological Triggering of Periglacial Debris Flows Using a Bayesian Approach: A Case Study of the Hailuogou Gully Region, China

10.21203/rs.3.rs-673988/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zheng Wang ◽

Ningsheng Chen ◽

Guisheng Hu ◽

Yong Zhang ◽

Genxu Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Debris Flow ◽

Debris Flows ◽

High Elevation ◽

Tibet Plateau ◽

Hydrological Characteristics ◽

Effects Of Temperature ◽

Qinghai Tibet Plateau ◽

Hydrometeorological Conditions ◽

Debris Flow Initiation

Abstract Mount Gonggais located in the east of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau; many debris flows have occurred in small basins with a small glacier cover or snow cover in this area. The hydrometeorological conditions that caused debris flows in this region are complex, making forecasting and early warning difficult. Previous studies for these small-glacial-covered basins have primarily considered rainfall as the only inducing factor of debris flows, and often the effects of temperature are neglected. Thus, we carried out a probabilistic analysis of variables derived from hydrometeorological factors for the Mount Gongga region, Sichuan, China, where debris flows were recorded on 14 days between 1988 and 2019. By analyzing hydrological characteristics when debris flows occurred, three distinct dominant trigger types could be identified. The results show that 7 (50%) of the observed debris flow events during the study period, high-intensity rainfall was the dominant trigger, snowmelt by high temperature was identified as the dominant trigger for 2 (14%). Furthermore, 5 (36%) debris flow events could be attributed to the combined effects of long-lasting (or short-medium) rainfall and sustained higher temperatures. We find that the differences between the trigger types are statistically significant, and a susceptibility prediction differentiating between trigger types can outperform simple rainfall-only situations. This study contributes to an improved understanding of the hydrometeorological impact on debris flow initiation in high elevation watersheds.

Download Full-text

A new species of Genkalia (Bacillariophyta) from mountain lakes within the Sichuan Province of China

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.372.3.7 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 372 (3) ◽

pp. 236 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

F. LUO ◽

Q-M. YOU ◽

Q-X. WANG

Keyword(s):

Central Area ◽

High Elevation ◽

Sichuan Province ◽

Tibet Plateau ◽

Diatom Species ◽

Monsoon Climate ◽

The Sichuan Basin ◽

Qinghai Tibet Plateau ◽

Secondary Side ◽

A New Species

A new diatom species, Genkalia alpina sp. nov., was identified in high elevation lakes in the Mugecuo Scenic Area within the Sichuan Province of China. The area is located in the northern foot of the Hengduan Mountains between the western edge of the Sichuan Basin and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, belongs to the subtropical humid monsoon climate, at an altitude of 2600–3800m, with lake water originating mostly from the melting mountain snow. Light and scanning electron microscopy revealed that G. alpina valves are linear with two undulated margins and apices that are subcapitate in larger specimens, but slightly shorter in smaller specimens. The central area is elliptical, and the external proximal raphe ends are straight, or slightly deflected towards the primary valve side. Terminal raphe fissures are strongly bent towards the secondary side and they extend to mantle. Uniseriate striae continue uninterrupted from the valve face to the mantle. The present study is the first report of Genkalia species in China, and expands the geographical distribution of the genus, as well as the known diatom diversity of China.

Download Full-text

Multi-omics reveal differentiation and maintenance of dimorphic flowers in an alpine plant on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

10.22541/au.163834997.71216996/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mingjia Zhu ◽

Zhenyue Wang ◽

Yongzhi Yang ◽

Zefu Wang ◽

Wenjie Mu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critical Role ◽

Tibet Plateau ◽

Evolutionary Significance ◽

Individual Plant ◽

Single Individual ◽

Protein Coding ◽

Recent Species ◽

Species Specific ◽

Open Versus ◽

Qinghai Tibet Plateau

 Dimorphic flowers growing on a single individual plant play a critical role in extreme adaption and reproductive assurance in plants and have high ecological and evolutionary significance. However, the omics bases underlying such a differentiation and maintenance remain largely unknown. We aimed to investigate this through genomic, transcriptome and metabolomic analyses of dimorphic flowers in an alpine biennial, Sinoswertia tetraptera (Gentianaceae).  A high-quality chromosome-level genome sequence (903 Mb) was first assembled for S. tetraptera with 31,359 protein-coding genes annotated. Two rounds of recent independent whole-genome duplication (WGD) were revealed. More than 10% of the novel genes from the recent species-specific WGD were found to be differentially expressed in the two types of flowers, and this may have helped contribute to the origin of this innovative trait.  Other contrasting gene expression between flowers included that related to flower development and color, hormones, and iridoid biosynthesis. Metabolomic analyses similarly suggested differential concentrations of both hormones and iridoids in the two types of flowers. The interactions between multiple genes may together lead to contrasting morphology and open versus closed pollination of the dimorphic flowers in this species.  A total of 56 candidate genes were identified from the known iridoid biosynthesis-related pathways. Two hub genes were found to play an essential role in transferring intermediate products between leaves and flowers during iridoid biosynthesis.

Download Full-text

Modern stalagmite oxygen isotopic composition and its implications of climatic change from a high-elevation cave in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau over the past 50 years

Chinese Science Bulletin ◽

10.1007/s11434-007-0166-4 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 52 (9) ◽

pp. 1238-1247 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

XunLin Yang ◽

PingZhong Zhang ◽

FaHu Chen ◽

Chih-an Huh ◽

HongChun Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Isotopic Composition ◽

Climatic Change ◽

High Elevation ◽

Oxygen Isotopic Composition ◽

Tibet Plateau ◽

The Past ◽

Oxygen Isotopic ◽

Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Download Full-text

Chloroplast DNA phylogeography of Rhodiola alsia (Crassulaceae) in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Botany ◽

10.1139/b09-059 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 87 (11) ◽

pp. 1077-1088 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Qingbo Gao ◽

Dejun Zhang ◽

Shengyun Chen ◽

Yizhong Duan ◽

Faqi Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life History Traits ◽

Tibet Plateau ◽

Herbaceous Plant ◽

Long Distance ◽

Perennial Herbaceous Plant ◽

Quaternary Glaciation ◽

Southeastern Margin ◽

Local Range ◽

Species Specific ◽

Qinghai Tibet Plateau

We studied the phylogeography of Rhodiola alsia (Fröderström) S.H. Fu, which is a perennial herbaceous plant endemic to the Qinghai–Tibet (Q–T) Plateau, by sequencing one intergenic chloroplast spacer, rpl20–rps12 (844 bp). The sampling design included 18 populations and 315 individuals, and spanned the entire distribution range of the species. Thirty-one haplotypes were characterized, and polymorphism was observed both within and among populations. Most haplotypes were restricted to single sites or to neighbouring populations, suggesting an extremely low level of long distance gene flow via seeds. Only three haplotypes were common and widespread throughout the distributional range of R. alsia. The present geographical distribution of haplotypes probably reflects an ancient geographical pattern between the platform and southeastern margin of the Q–T Plateau identified as genetic hotspot areas. We suggest that populations of R. alsia survived in isolated refugia located in the platform and the southeastern margin of the Q–T Plateau during the Quaternary glaciation, at least during the last glaciation maximum (LGM, 32 000–16 000 years ago). The populations of R. alsia were geographically isolated by a subsequent local range expansion and independent evolution. The genetic structure of R. alsia is very different from previous phylogeographical studies of Q–T Plateau alpine plants and illustrates the importance of species-specific characteristics such as distribution areas and life-history traits which are mainly responsible for different patterns of genetic variation. Our investigation thus provides a new pattern of several refugia on the plateau platform.

Download Full-text

Rapid phenotypic evolution with shallow genomic differentiation during early stages of high elevation adaptation in Eurasian Tree Sparrows

National Science Review ◽

10.1093/nsr/nwz138 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 113-127 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Yanhua Qu ◽

Chunhai Chen ◽

Ying Xiong ◽

Huishang She ◽

Yong E Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Elevation ◽

Tibet Plateau ◽

Phenotypic Evolution ◽

Early Stages ◽

Multiple Loci ◽

Eurasian Tree Sparrow ◽

Polygenic Adaptation ◽

Adaptive Processes ◽

Well Differentiated ◽

Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Abstract Known as the ‘third polar region’, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau represents one of the harshest highland environments in the world and yet a number of organisms thrive there. Previous studies of birds, animals and humans have focused on well-differentiated populations in later stages of phenotypic divergence. The adaptive processes during the initial phase of highland adaptation remain poorly understood. We studied a human commensal, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, which has followed human agriculture to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Despite strong phenotypic differentiation at multiple levels, in particular in muscle-related phenotypes, highland and lowland populations show shallow genomic divergence and the colonization event occurred within the past few thousand years. In a one-month acclimation experiment investigating phenotypic plasticity, we exposed adult lowland tree sparrows to a hypoxic environment and did not observe muscle changes. Through population genetic analyses, we identified a signature of polygenic adaptation, whereby shifts in allele frequencies are spread across multiple loci, many of which are associated with muscle-related processes. Our results reveal a case of positive selection in which polygenic adaptation appears to drive rapid phenotypic evolution, shedding light on early stages of adaptive evolution to a novel environment.

Download Full-text

Actual Evapotranspiration in Suli Alpine Meadow in Northeastern Edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China

Advances in Meteorology ◽

10.1155/2015/593649 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Jin-kui Wu ◽

Shi-qiang Zhang ◽

Hao Wu ◽

Shi-wei Liu ◽

Yu Qin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Balance ◽

Alpine Meadow ◽

Bowen Ratio ◽

Growing Season ◽

High Elevation ◽

Actual Evapotranspiration ◽

Tibet Plateau ◽

Evapotranspiration Estimation ◽

Qinghai Tibet Plateau ◽

Ratio Energy

Actual evapotranspiration was observed by using eddy covariance (EC) technique, calculated by micrometeorological method the Bowen ratio energy balance (BREB) and measured by micro-lysimeter (ML) in the Suli alpine meadow which located in the northeastern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau noted for its high elevation and cold environment during the growing season in 2011. Results showed that the energy balance ratio for half-hour data was 0.74. Without consideration of uncertainty, the evapotranspiration values estimated by BREB, ML, and EC were 270.6 mm, 238.9 mm, and 236.1 mm, respectively. Significant correlation existed between the evapotranspiration results by the three methods. Uncertainties of the evapotranspiration estimation by BREB, ML, and EC were 19.6 mm, 15.6 mm, and 15.1 mm, respectively. Deduced by facts on the natural and vegetation conditions, the value of evapotranspiration should be equal to that of precipitation, that is, about 252 mm. From this point, the evapotranspiration values estimated by the three methods were within a reliable range. The EC method has larger advantage and wider scope for the estimation of evapotranspiration in alpine meadow area.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Climate Change on the Surface Albedo over the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Remote Sensing ◽

10.3390/rs13122336 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 2336

Author(s):

Chaonan Chen ◽

Li Tian ◽

Lianqi Zhu ◽

Yuanke Zhou

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Solar Radiation ◽

Land Surface ◽

Meteorological Data ◽

Growing Season ◽

High Elevation ◽

Tibet Plateau ◽

Decrease Rate ◽

The Impact ◽

Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Albedo is a characterization of the Earth’s surface ability to reflect solar radiation, and control the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the land surface. Within the context of global warming, the temporal and spatial changes of the albedo and its response to climate factors remain unclear. Based on MCD43A3 (V005) albedo and meteorological data (i.e., temperature and precipitation), we analyzed the spatiotemporal variations of albedo (2000–2016) and its responses to climate change during the growing season on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). The results indicated an overall downward trend in the annual albedo during the growing season, the decrease rate was 0.25%/decade, and the monthly albedo showed a similar trend, especially in May, when the decrease rate was 0.53%/decade. The changes also showed regional variations, such as for the annual albedo, the areas with significant decrease and increase in albedo were 181.52 × 103 km2 (13.10%) and 48.82 × 103 km2 (3.52%), respectively, and the intensity of albedo changes in low-elevation areas was more pronounced than in high-elevation areas. In addition, the annual albedo-temperature/precipitation relationships clearly differed at different elevations. The albedo below 2000 m and at 5000–6000 m was mainly negatively correlated with temperature, while at 2000–4000 m it was mainly negatively correlated with precipitation. The contemporaneous temperature could negatively impact the monthly albedo in significant ways at the beginning of the growing season (May and June), whereas in the middle of the growing season (July and August), the albedo was mainly negatively correlated with precipitation, and at the end of the growing season (September), the albedo showed a weak correlation with temperature/precipitation.

Download Full-text

Effects of hypoxia on the thermal physiology of a high-elevation lizard: implications for upslope-shifting species

Biology Letters ◽

10.1098/rsbl.2020.0873 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Zhong-Wen Jiang ◽

Liang Ma ◽

Chun-Rong Mi ◽

Wei-Guo Du

Keyword(s):

Thermal Tolerance ◽

High Elevation ◽

Tibet Plateau ◽

Body Temperatures ◽

Hypoxic Conditions ◽

Fitness Traits ◽

Thermal Maximum ◽

Qinghai Tibet Plateau ◽

Two Populations ◽

Hypoxia Treatment

Montane reptiles are predicted to move to higher elevations in response to climate warming. However, whether upwards-shifting reptiles will be physiologically constrained by hypoxia at higher elevations remains unknown. We investigated the effects of hypoxic conditions on preferred body temperatures (T pref ) and thermal tolerance capacity of a montane lizard ( Phrynocephalus vlangalii ) from two populations on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Lizards from 2600 m a.s.l. were exposed to O 2 levels mimicking those at 2600 m (control) and 3600 m (hypoxia treatment). Lizards from 3600 m a.s.l. were exposed to O 2 levels mimicking those at 3600 m (control) and 4600 m (hypoxia treatment). The T pref did not differ between the control and hypoxia treatments in lizards from 2600 m. However, lizards from 3600 m selected lower body temperatures when exposed to the hypoxia treatment mimicking the O 2 level at 4600 m. Additionally, the hypoxia treatment induced lower critical thermal minimum (CT min ) in lizards from both populations, but did not affect the critical thermal maximum (CT max ) in either population. Our results imply that upwards-shifting reptiles may be constrained by hypoxia if a decrease in T pref reduces thermally dependent fitness traits, despite no observed effect on their heat tolerance.

Download Full-text