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

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.

scholarly journals Population Transcriptomics Reveals Gene Flow and Introgression Between Two Non-sister Alpine Gentians

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunlin Chen ◽  
Wenjie Yang ◽  
Jianquan Liu ◽  
Zhenxiang Xi ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Tibet Plateau ◽  
Interspecific Gene Flow ◽  
Climatic Oscillations ◽  
Distributional Shifts ◽  
Qinghai Tibet Plateau ◽  
Two Populations ◽  
Hybridization And Introgression

Distributional shifts driven by Quaternary climatic oscillations have been suggested to cause interspecific hybridization and introgression. In this study, we aimed to test this hypothesis by using population transcriptomes and coalescent modeling of two alpine none-sister gentians. Previous studies suggested that historical hybridizations occurred between Gentiana siphonantha and G. straminea in the high-altitude Qinghai-Tibet Plateau although both species are not sister to each other with the most recent divergence. In the present study, we sequenced transcriptomes of 33 individuals from multiple populations of G. siphonantha and G. straminea. The two species are well delimited by nuclear genomic SNPs while phylogenetic analyses of plastomes clustered one G. straminea individual into the G. siphonantha group. Further population structure analyses of the nuclear SNPs suggested that two populations of G. siphonantha were admixed with around 15% ancestry from G. straminea. These analyses suggested genetic introgressions from G. straminea to G. siphonantha. In addition, our coalescent-based modeling results revealed that gene flow occurred between the two species since Last Glacier Maximum after their initial divergence, which might have leaded to the observed introgressions. Our results underscore the significance of transcriptome population data in determining timescale of interspecific gene flow and direction of the resulting introgression.

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

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.

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

Phytotaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 372 (3) ◽  
pp. 236 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Regulating glycolysis and heat shock proteins in Gannan yaks (<i>Bos</i> <i>grunniens</i>) in response to hypoxia of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 345-353
Author(s):  
Yuliang Wen ◽  
Jiqing Wang ◽  
Xiu Liu ◽  
Shaobin Li ◽  
Jiang Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Shock ◽  
Heat Shock Proteins ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Tca Cycle ◽  
Tricarboxylic Acid ◽  
Tibet Plateau ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Hypoxic Conditions ◽  
Shock Proteins ◽  
Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Abstract. Glycolysis and heat shock proteins (HSPs) play an important role in hypoxia-intolerant species during hypoxia conditions. This study was conducted to evaluate the differences of glycolysis and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in Gannan yaks (Bos grunniens), with the main goal of understanding how the response to hypoxia changes with altitude. Here, the genes and enzymes of glycolysis and HSPs were detected in heart, liver, lung, kidney, and longissimus dorsi from Gannan yaks at different altitude (2500 and 3500 m) using qPCR, western blot, and enzyme kits. The results showed that the expression of HIF1A and PDK4 was increased with altitude (P<0.01) in above tissues. Significantly increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) levels and the ratio of NADH/NAD+ were also observed in heart, lung, and longissimus dorsi tissues (P<0.05), as well as a decreased citric acid (CA) level (P<0.05). Furthermore, we observed significant global increases in the protein and mRNA expression levels of both the ATP-independent HSP27 and the ATP-dependent HSP60 during hypoxic conditions (P<0.01). These findings revealed that hypoxia-reprogrammed glucose metabolism promotes energy supply via up-regulated glycolysis and weakness of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. HSPs were activated and the prioritization of cytoprotective protein chaperone functions over energy conservation in yak under hypoxic conditions. These results are useful to better understand the unique adaptability of yak, allowing them to survive in hypoxia conditions.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-127 ◽  
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.

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

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
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.

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

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.

Ammonia oxidizers in river sediments of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and their adaptations to high-elevation conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 173 ◽  
pp. 115589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sibo Zhang ◽  
Wei Qin ◽  
Xinghui Xia ◽  
Lingzi Xia ◽  
Siling Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
River Sediments ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Tibet Plateau ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizers ◽  
Qinghai Tibet Plateau

scholarly journals Elevation is Associated with Human Skin Microbiomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 611
Author(s):  
Huan Li ◽  
Yijie Wang ◽  
Qiaoling Yu ◽  
Tianshu Feng ◽  
Rui Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Skin ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Clustering Coefficient ◽  
Tibet Plateau ◽  
Skin Microbiota ◽  
Elevation Gradients ◽  
Deterministic Processes ◽  
Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Human skin microbiota plays a crucial role in the defense against pathogens, and is associated with various skin diseases. High elevation is positively correlated with various extreme environmental conditions (i.e., high ultraviolet radiation), which may exert selection pressure on skin microbiota, and therefore influence human health. Most studies regarding skin microbial communities have focused on low-elevation hosts. Few studies have explored skin microbiota in high-elevation humans. Here, we investigated the diversity, function, assembly, and co-occurrence patterns of skin microbiotas from 35 health human subjects across three body sites (forehead, opisthenar, and palm) and seven elevation gradients from 501 to 3431 m. Alpha diversity values (i.e., Shannon diversity and observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs)) decreased with increasing elevation regardless of the body site, while beta diversity (Jaccard and Bray–Curtis dissimilarities) showed an increasing trend with elevation. Elevation is a significant factor that influences human skin microbiota, even after controlling host-related factors. Skin microbiotas at high elevation with more than 3000 m on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, had a significant structural or functional separation from those at low elevation with less than 3000 m. Notably, the clustering coefficient, average degree, and network density were all lower at high-elevation than those at low-elevation, suggesting that high-elevation skin networks were more fragile and less connected. Phylogenetic analysis showed that human skin microbiotas are mainly dominated by stochastic processes (58.4%–74.6%), but skin microbiotas at high-elevation harbor a greater portion of deterministic processes than those at low-elevation, indicating that high-elevation may be conducive to the promotion of deterministic processes. Our results reveal that the filtering and selection of the changeable high-elevation environment on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau may lead to less stable skin microbial community structures.

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