2025/09/02 by Tao Luo, Zeng Qi Zhao, Zhong-Lian Wang +4 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Genetic diversity and population structure #Amphibian and Reptile Biology #Species Distribution and Climate Change
paper · pdf · doi:10.3897/zse.101.153576
openalex publication_date 2025/09/02 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/12
The genus Pseudohynobius exhibits a west-to-east distribution across southwestern China, spanning diverse mountain ranges and elevations. However, knowledge regarding the diversity, phylogeny, and evolutionary history of this genus remains limited. In this study, based on the concept of phylogenetic species, we identified eight phylogenetic species, including two cryptic lineages. Divergence time estimation revealed that Pseudohynobius originated approximately 14.57 million years ago (Ma), with interspecific divergence mainly occurring between 8.0 and 1.4 Ma. Biogeographic analysis indicated that its most recent common ancestor likely inhabited the Hengduan–Dalou Mountains region in southwestern China around 8.62 Ma and that the Dalou Mountains served as a source of outward dispersal and a key region for speciation between 11 and 4 Ma. The lineage divergence dynamics of this genus are coupled with orogenic movements and paleoclimatic shifts, which may have been the primary drivers of its historical diversification. This study underscores the urgency of conducting further surveys and taxonomic studies to avoid underestimating the diversity of this critically endangered genus.