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  • Paranchai Malailkanok, Friðgeir Grímsson, Reinhard Zetter, Paul J. Grote, Thomas Denk, Wongkot Phuphumirat
    Online available: 2025-08-24
    Fossil Ericales pollen from late Oligocene to Early Miocene sediments of the Ban Pa Kha Subbasin, Li Basin, northern Thailand, were examined using the single-grain method. A total of 24 different ericalean pollen types belonging to Ebenaceae (Diospyros), Ericaceae (Cassiope, Vaccinium, and Rhododendron), Pentaphylacaceae (Adinandra), Sapotaceae, Styracaceae (Rehderodendron and Styrax), and Symplocaceae (Symplocos) were identified. All the fossil pollen, except that of Sapotaceae, represent families/genera that are described for the first time from the Cenozoic of Thailand. By considering present terrestrial biome occupancy, Köppen–Geiger climate profiles, and vertical distributions of potential modern analogs of the parent plants producing the fossil pollen, the phytosociological and paleoecological preferences of the fossil taxa were assessed. Our results demonstrate that modern analogs of most of the ericalean taxa have wide ecological and climatic amplitudes with a broad zone of convergence in warm and cold temperate humid or seasonally dry climates. Exceptions are Sapotaceae, which rarely occur outside lowland tropical forests, and Cassiope, which at present occurs at high elevations and, besides Rehderodendron, is one of two modern analogs absent from the modern flora of Thailand. Along with a review of phytosociological studies in montane forests of northern Thailand and neighboring regions, this suggests that the assemblage of dispersed ericalean pollen of the Ban Pa Kha Subbasin likely derives from more than one vegetation type and possibly from different vertical zones.
    A total of 24 different ericalean pollen types were recovered from the Ban Pa Kha Subbasin, Li Basin, northern Thailand. Based on the ecological preferences of their modern analogs, the assemblage of dispersed ericalean pollen likely derives from more than one vegetation type and possibly from different vertical zones of mountainous areas, as indicated by the presence of Sapotaceae pollen (modern analogs of which are rarely found outside lowland tropical forests) and Cassiope pollen (whose modern analogs are currently found at high elevations).
  • Xin-Yu Lin, Yan Liu, Jing-Fei Zhang, Jia-Xiu Zhong, Shu-Han Duan, Xiang-Ping Li, Hao-Ran Su, Qing-Xin Yang, Xiao-Jun Liu, Qiu-Xia Sun, Chao Liu, Meng-Ge Wang, Guang-Lin He, Yong-Xin Ma
    Online available: 2025-08-24
    The genetic structure and population history of ethno-linguistically diverse populations from the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau remain underrepresented in human genomic research. We analyzed genome-wide data from 239 individuals in Guizhou, combined with modern and ancient datasets, to investigate their fine-scale genetic structure, demographic events, and functional consequences of adaptive genomic signatures. Our findings revealed three genetically distinct groups corresponding to linguistic categories, shaped by differential gene flow from ancient millet farmers and southern Chinese populations. We identified population-specific adaptive candidate genomic regions associated with immune, metabolic, and hematological functions. Additionally, we detected clinically relevant variants with implications for disease risk prediction and precision medicine. These findings underscore the importance of genetic diversity in understanding human adaptation and health disparities, offering a framework for equitable genomic research in underrepresented populations.
    Our study explores the genomic diversity of underrepresented Guizhou multi-ethnic populations. We analyzed the fine-scale genetic structure and admixture patterns, revealing substructures tied to linguistic categories. Using three statistical methods, we identified adaptive signatures linked to key functions and reported clinical-related variants. These findings highlight the critical role of population-specific genomic diversity in refining precision medicine frameworks for tailored therapeutic interventions.
  • Gildas Gâteblé, Ryusuke Ikeda, Giliane Karnadi-Abdelkader, Jacqueline Ounémoa, Yoshihisa Suyama, Yuji Isagi
    Online available: 2025-08-21
    While conducting a population genetic study aiming at refining previous conclusions about cladogenesis in the Oxera genus (Lamiaceae) in New Caledonia, we uncovered an unexpected result for the well-known Oxera palmatinervia Dubard species. To better understand the preliminary molecular results that revealed two distinct sister species, we performed extensive field studies in order to sample, measure, hand-pollinate, and observe the flower and fruit visitors on different populations of O. palmatinervia and other species of the “robusta” clade. We found flower morphology differences to be congruent with the molecular results, so that we propose to describe a new species as O. sympatrica Gâteblé & Karnadi sp. nov. The differences in flower morphology between the two species, which can grow in true sympatry and flower at the same time of the year, are striking so that flower visitors and pollination syndromes were investigated as far as possible. We find that two species of honeyeaters Glycifohia undulata and Philemon diemenensis are likely the preferred pollinators, respectively, of O. palmatinervia and O. sympatrica sp. nov. because of their respective sizes, bill and tongue lengths, and behavior. Even though, to date, it cannot be proven that initial speciation of both Oxera occurred in sympatry, today's sympatry is observed along with a remarkable supposed coevolution pollination syndrome. The new species is fully described, mapped, evaluated against Red List criteria, and illustrated. Pollination syndromes are discussed and illustrated.
  • Francisco Fajardo‐Gutiérrez, Mariasole Calbi, Markus S. Dillenberger, Sebastian Tello, AlfredoFuentes, Nora H. Oleas, Ricardo A. Segovia, Christine E. Edwards, Yohan Pillon, James E.Richardson, Thomas Borsch
    Online available: 2025-08-11
    The tribe Cunonieae comprises five genera and 214 species of shrubs and trees currently distributed in the Southern Hemisphere and the tropics, exhibiting an amphi‐Pacific disjunct distribution shared with Araucariaceae, Myrtaceae, Nothofagaceae, Podocarpaceae, and Proteaceae, among others. To address the central question of how historical geological forces have shaped the distribution of plant diversity in the southern hemisphere, we aimed to provide evidence from the biogeographical history of Cunonieae. We generated themost densely sampled phylogenetic trees of Cunonieae available to date, with 121 samples and 81 species, basedon 404 new sequences of plastid and nuclear DNA regions with high hierarchical phylogenetic signal (matK, trnL‐F, rpl16, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)). We included 184 samples of Rosids to estimate divergence times using fossil calibration points. For biogeographic inference, we employed a time‐stratified model including fossils as tips. Cunonia and Pterophylla were paraphyletic in the ITS tree, and Cunonia was paraphyletic in the plastid tree. Pancheria, Vesselowskya, and Weinmannia were monophyletic, the latter with conflicting nuclear and plastid phylogenies. The crown group Cunonieae was dated at ~56 Ma, and its ancestral areas were Antarctica and Patagonia. Antarctica acted as a bridge between Australia and South America before the consolidation of the Antarctic Ice Sheet and the extinction of the lineage in Antarctica from the Oligocene to the Miocene. Following that, Cunonieae spread to lower latitudes via Zealandia/Oceania and Patagonia/South America. Geological changes during the Pliocene facilitated a further burst in diversification along the Andes, in Madagascar, and in New Caledonia, where at least three colonization events occurred.
    Multiple fossil calibration points reveal recent radiations and biogeographical history of the Cunonieae tribe. The most densely sampled phylogeny allowed to infer Antarctica and Patagonia as areas of origin, confirming the reestablishment of Pterophylla and revealing the northward movement of Weinmannia into the tropical Andes. Conflicting plastid and nuclear phylogenies suggest past chloroplast capture.
  • Jia-Rui Yu, Si-Ao Li, Dong-Xue Zhao, Francis M. Martin, Hai-Sheng Yuan
    Online available: 2025-07-30
    Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi form symbiotic relationships with woody plants, completing their life cyclesthrough mutualistic associations. The evolution of this symbiosis involves genomic adaptations including gene gain andloss. However, how these genomic characteristics reflect speciation and adaptation throughout the evolutionaryhistory of ECM fungi remains unclear. In the present study, we explored speciation and host adaptation in Tricholoma species, an ecologically relevant clade of ECM basidiomycetes. We compared the genomes of three species, Tricholoma matsutakeT. populinum, and T. bakamatsutake, which despite their close phylogenetic relationships, have different tree hosts. A phylogenetic tree constructed using single‐copy orthologous genes estimated the divergence time of T. populinum to be approximately 28.48 Mya, coinciding with the diversification of subg. Eupopulus in East Asia. The split between T. matsutake and T. bakamatsutake was estimated at around 8.08 Mya, corresponding to the diversification period of evergreen broadleaved forests in East Asia. In this study, we identified 19, 13, and 13 positively selected genes in the genomes of T. bakamatsutake, T. matsutake, and T. populinum, respectively. Additionally, 2983, 2783, and 1548 genes have undergone rapid evolution in their genomes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed the functions of these rapidly evolving genes, including those associated with cell cycle, cytoplasmic components, and GTPase mediation. Gene flow analysis indicated unidirectional migration from the ancestor of Tpopulinum to Tmatsutake and Tbakamatsutake, whereas bidirectional gene flow was observed in the ancestors of T. matsutake and T. bakamatsutake. This study suggested that host‐induced immigrant unviability in symbiotic fungi is the primary causeof prezygotic isolation. The combination of ecology‐based genomic evidence and gene flow analysis offers new insightinto the speciation and evolutionary mechanisms of symbiotic fungi.
    We explored speciation and host adaptation in Tricholoma species using comparative genomics approaches. Three Tricholoma species with significant differences in host spectra were selected. After completing sequencing and annotation, phylogenetic analysis, gene family analysis, selected gene analysis, repetitive sequence analysis, and gene flow analysis were conducted. Genes and gene families related to adaptive evolution were obtained. Through statistical analysis, the role of repetitive sequences in adaptive evolution was identified. And how hosts promote speciation was explored.
  • Su-Xin Yin, Chong Dong, Biao Pan, Zhuo Feng, Jian-Guo Hui, Fabiany Herrera, Patrick S. Herendeen, Peter R. Crane, and Gong-Le Shi
    Online available: 2025-07-27
    Pinaceae are one of the most economically and ecologically important tree families and play a key role in boreal, temperate, and montane forests of the Northern Hemisphere. The family have a rich fossil record with the earliest occurrence of the Pinaceae crown group probably from the Late Jurassic, and diverse seed cones, woods, leaves, and pollen grains from the Early Cretaceous of the Northern Hemisphere. However, the origin and early evolutionary history of Pinaceae is not well understood, in part because of uncertainty about the phylogenetic position of early fossils. In this article we describe a new woody stem of Pinaceae based on well-preserved material from the Early Cretaceous Huolinhe Formation in Jarud Banner, eastern Inner Mongolia, Northeast China. Piceoxylon jarudense sp. nov. has distinct growth rings with secondary xylem composed of tracheids, ray tracheids, ray parenchyma cells, axial parenchyma cells, and axial and radial resin canals. Pitting on radial walls of tracheids is abietinean; cross-field pitting is piceoid and taxodioid with two to six pits arranged in one to two rows per cross-field. Axial and radial resin canals are lined by thick-walled epithelial cells. Piceoxylon has been considered to include species with wood anatomy comparable to extant Larix, Pseudotsuga, Picea, and Cathaya. Comparisons of wood anatomy and constrained phylogenetic analyses of P. jarudense, one of the earliest records of Piceoxylon, both suggest that P. jarudense is most likely allied with Larix and Pseudotsuga within the pinoid clade suggesting divergence of the Larix–Pseudotsuga clade before ~125.6 Ma.
    Pinaceae are one of the most important tree families and play a key role in boreal, temperate, and montane forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Fossil records indicate a rapid diversification of the family during Early Cretaceous but most analyses and discussions regarding the origin and early diversification of Pinaceae are based on seed cone fossils. In this article we describe a new woody stem of Pinaceae, Piceoxylon jarudense sp. nov., based on well-preserved material from the Early Cretaceous of Northeast China. Piceoxylon jarudense is one of the earliest records of Piceoxylon, comparisons of wood anatomy and constrained phylogenetic analyses both suggest that it is most likely allied with Larix and Pseudotsuga within the pinoid clade suggesting divergence of the Larix–Pseudotsuga clade before ~125.6 Ma.
  • Michael Heads
    Online available: 2025-07-24
    The 26 genera of aurantioids and the 28 species of one genus, Citrus, are mapped. The distributions are explained, not by using fossil-calibrated clade ages and ancestral-area algorithms, but by focusing on the geometry of the clade distributions and the tectonic history at the break zones (nodes). Allopatry is attributed to vicariance, while overlap is attributed to normal dispersal. Subfamily Aurantioideae is allopatric with its sister groups in Eurasia and the Americas. In contrast, the seven main clades within Aurantioideae show a high level of overlap. But within each of these seven main clades, there is again a high level of allopatry. The pattern is explained by vicariance events at the first and third levels. The overlap at the second level can be accounted for if vicariance (now obscured) generated the clades and subsequent dispersal caused secondary overlap of the clades. This latter phase of mobilism can be explained by the migration of coastlines and maritime flora far inland during marine transgressions, especially in the mid-Cretaceous. Many aurantioids inhabit mangrove-associated vegetation, beach thicket, limestone substrate, and areas with high levels of disturbance. Within Citrus, the five main clades overlap in South-Central China (Nanling Mountains) and are allopatric elsewhere. The overlap zone has been interpreted as a center of origin, but it is explained here as a break zone, the site of vicariance in a widespread ancestor, where localized, secondary overlap has developed later. The zone coincides with a belt of mid-Cretaceous deformation manifested in voluminous magmatism, subsidence, rifting, back-arc extension, and the opening of the East China Sea.
    The distributions of the genera and clades in Rutaceae subfamily Aurantioideae can be explained through vicariance (causing allopatry and speciation) and secondary range expansion by normal dispersal (causing overlap). Citrus originated in situ by vicariance with its allopatric sisters, and within Citrus, the five main clades are also largely allopatric. The origin of Citrus is usually traced to a point in southern China, but this point is more likely to represent a break zone in a widespread ancestor than an ancestral area.
  • Long-Fei Fu, Chi Xiong, Jian He, Feng Chen, Zi-Bing Xin, Fang Wen, Xin-Yun Lv, Yi-Gang Wei, Alexandre K. Monro
    Online available: 2025-07-23
    Apomixis can confer fertility upon spontaneous hybrids and allopolyploids, both of which have played a pivotal role in the evolutionary trajectory and diversification of flowering plants. We hypothesized that an unusual morphotype of Elatostema represents a viable hybrid species between E. scabrum and E. hirticaule, as opposed to a sterile F1 hybrid. To test this, we employed phylogenomic, flow cytometry (FC), cytological, and morphological analyses. A two-step phylogenomic approach was used. Genome skimming was performed on one E. longpingii population, three populations of each parent (E. scabrum, E. hirticaule), and ten Elatostema and one Pilea species. Population genetic analyses were then conducted using RAD sequencing data from the type population of hybrid and parent species. Phylogenomic analyses using genome skimming and RAD sequencing data consistently supported a hybrid origin, placing E. longpingii close to or nested within E. scabrum and distant from E. hirticaule. Chromosome counts revealed pentaploid, triploid, and tetraploid ploidy levels in E. longpingii, E. scabrum, and E. hirticaule, respectively. FC suggested apomixis in E. longpingii and E. scabrum, while E. hirticaule exhibited sexual reproduction. Morphological studies indicated that E. longpingii shares traits from both parents. Our findings demonstrate a novel reproductively viable hybrid species in Elatostema, likely originated through a natural hybridization event involving heteroploidy, coupled with the inheritance of an apomictic reproductive pathway from its maternal parent. These results provide compelling evidence that hybridization and apomixis have played pivotal roles in driving reticulate evolution and promoting diversification within the Elatostema.
    Elatostema longpingii, hypothesized to be a heteroploid hybrid between E. scabrum and E. hirticaule, was investigated using phylogenomic, flow cytometric, cytological, and morphological analyses. Results confirmed its hybrid origin, with E. longpingii inheriting apomixis from its maternal parent, E. scabrum. This provides a case how hybridization and apomixis contribute to diversification in Elatostema.
  • Jairo Arroyave, Adán Fernando Mar-Silva, Bruno F. Melo, Sonia Gabriela Hernández-Ávila, Jesús M. López-Vila, Gabriel S. C. Silva, Píndaro Díaz-Jáimes
    Online available: 2025-07-21
    Neotropical catfishes of the genus Rhamdia are divided into cis- and trans-Andean/Middle American reciprocally monophyletic components, the latter notable for its considerable cave-dwelling diversity. Despite previous research, uncertainties regarding the systematics and historical biogeography of the Middle American clade remain. To test previous phylogenetic hypotheses and improve our understanding of the evolutionary history of this group of Middle American freshwater fishes, we generated and analyzed comparative mitogenome-wide data from most valid species and known cave-dwelling forms. Our results corroborate this clade as divided into two reciprocally monophyletic groups (split dated at ~9 Ma): a clade representing the species Rhamdia guatemalensis (crown group dated at ~2.8 Ma) and a clade consisting of the remaining Middle American species (i.e., the Rhamdia laticauda species group; crown group dated at ~4 Ma). Our results also confirm the notion that R. laticauda is deeply paraphyletic and that phylogenetically scattered geographic lineages of this taxon could represent different species. Our divergence time estimates, coupled with present-day distribution patterns, support the biogeographic scenario in which northward dispersal and colonization of Central America and southern North America by Rhamdia was catalyzed by the emergence of the Panamanian Isthmus land bridge and stream captures across Lower Central America. Cave colonization in Middle American Rhamdia is widespread, convergent, relatively recent (dating from the Pleistocene), and most likely opportunistic, with established cave-dwelling populations possibly representing “evolutionary dead ends.”
    This study investigated the systematics and biogeography of the Middle American clade of Neotropical catfishes of the genus Rhamdia using mitogenome-wide comparative data. Results refine and corroborate previous phylogenetic hypotheses, including the deep paraphyly of the species Rhamdia laticauda; they support a scenario of northward dispersal from South America catalyzed by the emergence of the Panamanian Isthmus and imply that cave colonization is widespread, convergent, and relatively recent, with established cave-dwelling populations possibly representing “evolutionary dead ends.”
  • Xinkun Kang, Zhixin Wen, Jin Wang, Liang Lu, Alexei Abramov, Wenjuan Shan, Deyan Ge
    Online available: 2025-07-13
    The rodent family Platacanthomyidae encompasses both the Malabar spiny tree mouse (genus Platacanthomys) and the soft-furred tree mice (genus Typhlomys). This family represents a typical relict group of ancient origin, and its evolutionary history and dynamics warrant further investigation. A critical scientific question concerns whether the evolutionary trajectory of this ancient taxon has been shaped by environmental perturbations, such as the periodic climatic oscillations of the Quaternary glacial periods. This study aims to elucidate the evolutionary trajectory of the Platacanthomyidae by examining fossil records alongside extant species. Molecular dating revealed that the most speciose genus Typhlomys within this family began diverging approximately 21.15 Ma. The speciation rate and net diversification rate of the Platacanthomyidae was notably high around 20 Ma, but it has shown a continuous decline since then, while the extinction rate of this taxa has remained stable. The current dataset indicates that the evolutionary trajectory of this family appears to have remained unaffected by late Cenozoic climatic fluctuations and subsequent anthropogenic influences associated with societal development. The ancestral distribution reconstruction has not yielded conclusive evidence regarding the origin of this family, thereby positioning it among the most enigmatic taxa within Rodentia. Moreover, the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the divergence of these ancestral species and their subsequent ecological adaptations to paleoenvironmental changes require future studies.
    We elucidated the evolutionary trajectory of the Platacanthomyidae based on fossil occurrences and genomic data of extant species. Our findings suggest that the evolutionary trajectory of this family appears to have remained unaffected by major climatic oscillation. We reconstructed the ancestral distribution of Platacanthomyidae and proposed a hypothesis of its origin in Central Asia.
  • Ying Wang, Xiuxiu Zhu, Kaibin Wang, Jiayue Zhou, Zechen Tang, Siying Fu, Chenguang Zheng, Wenjun Bu
    Online available: 2025-07-11
    East Asia has been hypothesized to be separated into distinct northern and southern regions by a climatic barrier, which is an east–west-oriented arid zone at approximately 40° N in eastern China. However, the impacts of climate change and local environmental selection on widespread species in this area are still poorly understood. In this study, we generated extensive genomic data for the crop pest Aelia fieberi (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), which was sampled across its entire distribution in China, and we used these data in combination with niche analyses to investigate its phylogeographic pattern and examine the impact of climate change on its population structure and demographic history. We found that A. fieberi comprised two genetic lineages (southern and northern) that diverged during the middle Pleistocene, leading to a distinct “south–north” genetic pattern; this divergence was probably triggered by Pleistocene climate change in the arid belt. The two lineages of A. fieberi both experienced population expansion after the Last Interglacial (LIG) until the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and experienced secondary contact in the late Pleistocene. Local environmental adaptation may play an important role in maintaining and/or reinforcing the south–north divergence. Our study provides a detailed example of how climatic barriers and local environmental selection collaborate to facilitate adaptation to heterogeneous landscapes in East Asia from a phylogeographic perspective.
    By integrating mitochondrial fragments (COI), nuclear SNPs, whole genome data sets, and geographic distribution information, we elucidate the phylogeographical pattern of Aelia fieberi. Population structure analyses reveal that A. fieberi comprises two distinct genetic lineages: southern and northern lineages. Climate change in the arid belt may have contributed to the south–north population divergence during the middle Pleistocene. Furthermore, local environmental adaptation plays a crucial role in maintaining and reinforcing this divergence.
  • Jianyu Chen, Yunshan Yang, Bo Liu, Weihang Wang, Daochuan Zhang, Ming Bai, Xinjiang Li
    Online available: 2025-07-10
    Grylloblattids are an ancient insect lineage crucial for understanding insect evolution and phylogeny. Systematic and in-depth studies of this taxon are still needed. This investigation advances grylloblattid systematics through three principal contributions: taxonomic revision of extant Grylloblattidae with redesigned diagnostic keys; description of a new species Grylloblattella aletaiensis sp. nov.; and geometric morphometrics analyses to quantify interspecific differentiation in the first tergum morphology across all genera of extant Grylloblattidae. We further sequenced and assembled the first complete mitochondrial genome (16 625 bp) from an Asian-lineage grylloblattid, revealing conserved gene arrangement and structural conservation shared with polyneopteran lineages. Phylogenetic delineation of basal lineages within Grylloblattidae was conducted using concatenated mitochondrial and nuclear loci, coupled with divergence time estimation analyses to reconstruct historical biogeographic dynamics. This multidisciplinary operational framework synthesizes molecular phylogenetics and temporal biogeography, establishing a robust empirical foundation for interdisciplinary research in paleoentomology, evolutionary developmental biology, and evidence-based conservation prioritization for relict insect lineages. The evolutionary history of grylloblattids is closely coupled with global geo-climate changes since the Mesozoic Era, serving as a model system for investigating the macroevolution of insects.
    This paper reviewed the extant Grylloblattidae species, and described a new species, Grylloblattella aletaiensis sp. nov., with the biology of Grylloblattella. Geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic analysis explained the genetic relationships among the genera of extant Grylloblattidae.
  • Hong-Hu Meng, Yi-Gang Song, Guo-Xiong Hu, Pei-Han Huang, Min Li, Ou-Yan Fang, Ren-PingSu, Guan-Long Cao, Xiang Cai, Shi-Shun Zhou, Yun-Hong Tan, Xiao-Guo Xiang, Wei Wang, Zhe-KunZhou, Jie Li
    Online available: 2025-07-08
    Understanding how East Asian subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests (EBLFs) have evolved over time is not only vital for biodiversity conservation but also facilitates predictive modeling of ecosystem services under global change scenarios. During recent decades, numerous studies have been devoted to investigating the evolution of EBLFs. However, there are often contradictory interpretations of the different taxa associated with different geological events and environmental backgrounds. Here, we synthesize several key aspects of the spatiotemporal evolution of EBLFs. First, the EBLFs emerged concomitantly with the development of Asian monsoon systems, occurring no earlier than the Eocene. While the southernmost region was inhabited by tropical elements, EBLFs are not the direct relic of boreotropical flora because of the presence of a broad arid belt at that time. Rather, they represent a unique assemblage including boreotropical relics, tropical floras and deciduous broad-leaved forests. Second, the evolution of EBLFs should not be contextualized within an enclave, the adjacent vegetation systems to elucidate the potential connections between EBLFs and other biomes should be considered to avoid an isolated phenomenon. Third, the adaptive response of EBLFs to environmental changes caused by anthropogenic disturbance in subtropical regions remains understudied. Such a knowledge gap must be addressed to develop effective conservation strategies to sustain the ecosystem amid the dual pressure of climate change and human activity in the future. Finally, current research has predominantly focused on the dominant tree species in EBLFs, whereas comprehensive understanding requires expanding the investigation of associated flora, including understory trees and herbaceous plants. This review not only consolidates contemporary perspectives on the evolution of EBLFs but also proposes a framework to navigate the Anthropocene challenges. By bridging historical patterns with future projections, we aim to catalyze transformative research on EBLFs’ resilience and sustainable management, fostering further research and development regarding the resurgence.
    In this study, we not only review the evolution of East Asian subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests (EBLFs) from the past, current to the future; but also point out when the EBLFs rose and how the EBLFs respond to the environment change. Furthermore, we aimed to catalyze transformative research on EBLF resilience and sustainable management, fostering further research and development regarding the resurgence.
  • Li-Juan Liu, Dan Fu, Ze-Hong Tao, Yu-Fa Luo
    Online available: 2025-07-02
    This study conducted phylogenomic analyses of the higher-level phylogeny and evolution of mitogenomes and characteristics of Lycosidae Sundevall, 1833 (wolf spiders) utilizing 56 complete mitogenomes. In comparison to analyses based on target-genes, the mitogenomic phylogenies revealed Tricassinae as sister to Hippasinae and positioned Tricassinae + Hippasinae as sister to Lycosinae + Pardosinae. The findings did not support Evippinae as sister to Sosippinae and indicated uncertain phylogenetic relationships among genera (Lycosa, Trochosa, Ovia, and Alopecosa) within Lycosinae. The study proposes the validation of Wadicosinae, revisions of three species, Pardosa multivaga Simon, 1880, Arctosa ningboensis Yin, Bao & Zhang, 1996, and Alopecosa cinnameopilosa (Schenkel, 1963), and recommends placing Halocosa hatanensis (Urita, Tang, & Song, 1993) into Evippinae. Contrary to previous findings, the initial diversification of wolf spiders occurred during the Earliest Oligocene Glacial Maximum, with rapid diversification during the Miocene, both interpreted as responses to significant climate changes and grassland expansion during these periods. Within Lycosidae, mitochondrial gene rearrangements (seven patterns) were observed only in Piratula of Zoicinae and P. multivaga, primarily resulting from transfer RNA transportation and loss. Ancestral state reconstruction analyses did not support web building as the ancestral trait of lycosid prey-capture strategies, instead suggesting an evolutionary progression from vagrant hunting to web building and burrowing, with shifts to web building or burrowing occurring independently multiple times.
    This study first conducted phylogenomic analyses of the higher-level phylogeny and evolution of mitogenomes and characteristics of Lycosidae (wolf spiders). New phylogenies were detected based on the mitogenomic data. Dating analyses indicated that the initial diversification occurred during the Earliest Oligocene Glacial Maximum. This study explored the evolutionary dynamics of prey-capture strategy (from vagrant to web building and burrowing), and found that the shift to web-building or burrowing was estimated to have occurred independently multiple times.
  • Deshi Zhang, Han Wang, Tingting Yu, Tianying Zhang, Boshi Chen, Bao Liu, Ruili Lv
    Online available: 2025-06-29
    Allopolyploidy, involving whole genome duplication (WGD) of interspecific hybrids, is a driving force in the evolution of angiosperms, and has provided favored substrates for the domestication of major agricultural crops. This suggests allopolyploidy is a rich source of genetic variation amenable to natural and artificial selection. While allopolyploidy-induced chromosomal variation is common, its immediate phenotypic effects are challenging to delineate due to the confounding influence of postpolyploidy evolution. Newly constructed allopolyploids, having not yet undergone evolution, present suitable systems to address this issue. In this study, we synthesized five sets of allotetraploids, each with a unique genome constitution of S*S*DD, comprising a common paternal (DD) but distinct maternal (S*S*) parental diploid species of Aegilops. We observed that, except for one sterile synthetic allotetraploid, the remaining four allotetraploids exhibited high fertility, enabling the establishment of sexual lineages through selfing. Chromosomal variation in both number and structure occurred extensively, demonstrating moderate (though variable) effects on key morphological traits related to growth, development, and reproductive fitness of the nascent allotetraploids. All four sets of fertile allotetraploids can be crossed with bread wheat to generate pentaploid F1 hybrids, which as maternal parents can be further backcrossed to bread wheat. This approach promises a feasible strategy for the concomitant introgression of the vast repertoire of genetic variation from the D- and each of the four S* genome-containing species to bread wheat.
  • Guotao Chen, Ruilin Zhao
    Online available: 2025-06-29
    Gene loss is a widespread phenomenon in species evolution, yet the evolutionary significance of large-scale gene loss—whether arising through neutral processes or adaptive evolution—remains a subject of ongoing debate. Agaricus bisporus, a globally distributed macrofungus, serves as an ideal model to investigate this phenomenon. Utilizing the “map-to-pan” method, we constructed a high-resolution pangenome comprising 30 793 genes and 143 Mb of additional sequences, including 21 370 genes absent in the reference genome. Phylogenetic and admixture analyses identified four genetic lineages: the globally distributed MIX and region-specific European, America, and Highland lineages. Core gene analyses revealed a substantially lower genetic load in MIX lineage, accompanied by a marked reduction in the frequency of deleterious mutations compared with other lineages. Presence–absence variation (PAV) analyses further demonstrated extensive gene loss in MIX lineage, with functional enrichment analyses associating these PAVs with DNA damage repair pathways. This finding suggests that gene loss could enhance tolerance to DNA damage, thereby mitigating mutation accumulation. A significantly higher proportion of lost PAVs in MIX lineage was under selective pressure, supporting gene loss as an adaptive strategy. Our findings highlight two key mechanisms facilitating the MIX lineage's broad distribution: (1) the reduction of deleterious mutations, thereby lowering genetic load, and (2) the selective loss of redundant, non-essential genes, enhancing adaptability across diverse environments. This study not only underscores the adaptive significance of large-scale gene loss in the evolution of A. bisporus but also offers a broader framework for understanding how gene loss events shape the evolutionary trajectories of other fungal species.
    This study analyzed the pangenome of Agaricus bisporus and identified four genetic lineages, revealing that the MIX lineage exhibits reduced genetic load through efficient purging of deleterious mutations. Extensive gene loss in MIX is linked to DNA damage repair pathways, suggesting adaptive tolerance to environmental stress. Higher selective pressure on presence–absence variations supports gene loss as an adaptive strategy, highlighting how reducing deleterious mutations and losing redundant genes facilitate adaptation to diverse environments.
  • Douglas Chesters
    Online available: 2025-06-29
    Multimedia representations of phylogenies can only broaden the audience experiencing results of the field. I developed a bioinformatics pipeline for representation of phylogenies as audio and video, optimized to enable conversion of an extremely wide range of phylogeny structures (from tens to tens of thousands of terminals). I also compiled and standardized a set of contemporary phylogenetics results comprising only ones that were provisioned in analyzable form supplementary to a publication and that had been assigned a Creative Commons license by the authors. Fifty-six such phylogenies were audified and the resultant media files were made easily accessible. This work provisionally addresses a problematic gap in public information on phylogenetics for nonvisual modalities, and exemplifies how evolutionary biologists might better respond to obligations in widening participation.
    I developed a bioinformatics pipeline for representation of phylogenies as audio and video, and applied it to a set of contemporary phylogenetics results. This addresses a gap in public information on phylogenetics for nonvisual modalities, and exemplifies how evolutionary biologists might better respond to obligations in widening participation.
  • Ke-Wang Xu, Meng-Dan Deng, Lin Zhou, Hui Shang, Liang Zhang, Chun-Xiang Li, Carl J. Rothfels, David Lorence, Kenneth R. Wood, Tom A. Ranker, Ngan Thi Lu, Xin-Mao Zhou, Ralf Knapp, Zhao-Rong He, Yue-Hong Yan, Xin-Fen Gao, Li-Bing Zhang
    Online available: 2025-06-24
    Although considerable progress has recently been made in the phylogeny of Hymenasplenium, the genus remains poorly investigated; specifically, the diversification and historical biogeography of the genus have been little studied. Here, we infer an updated plastid DNA phylogeny and the first large-scale nuclear DNA phylogeny to understand the biogeography of the genus. The plastid phylogeny includes 312 accessions from across the genus′ distribution range (ca. 121% increase of the latest sampling), with special attention paid to island accessions from 14 Indian Ocean and Pacific islands, whereas the nuclear phylogeny includes 161 accessions of the Afro–Eurasian species. We identify one new major clade and two new subclades. Reticulate evolution was revealed both among subclades and among species in the Afro–Eurasian. Our divergence-time analyses show that most of the extant species diversity has arisen from diversification after the Oligocene despite a Cretaceous origin of the genus. Ancestral area reconstruction revealed that vicariance likely played a major role in building biogeographic patterns at deep evolutionary scales (the Afro–Eurasian clade and the American clade) in Hymenasplenium, while the intercontinental disjunctions within the Afro–Eurasian clade among Asia, Africa, and Oceania might have resulted from frequent long-distance dispersal events from Asia to Oceania and Africa.
    This study presents significant advancements in understanding the fern genus Hymenasplenium by integrating plastid and nuclear phylogenies with expanded taxon sampling, revealing four major clades and eight subclades. The results demonstrated polyphyly in island lineages, a Cretaceous origin with post-Oligocene diversification, and vicariance and long-distance dispersal as drivers of the current distribution of the genus.
  • Zhen Wang, Lars Vilhelmsen, Dong Ren, Taiping Gao
    Online available: 2025-06-22
    Evanioidea, as a poorly known group of Hymenoptera, exhibited remarkable species diversity during the Cretaceous, especially within the basal fossil family †Praeaulacidae. Here, we describe a new genus and species, †Coronaulacus cancan gen. et sp. nov., from Cretaceous Kachin amber. Based on its unique morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, we place the new genus into †Praeaulacidae. This new genus is significantly distinct from other genera of the family: it is characterized by a ring of tubercles around the median ocellus, forewing vein 3r-m absent, an unusually enlarged terminal tarsomere of the midleg, and extremely elongated hindlegs. The ring of tubercles indicate that the new taxon was a parasitoid on wood-living insects. We discuss the morphology and function of the midlegs and hindlegs. We suggest that the males of this genus might have exhibited behavior similar to dance flies (Diptera: Empididae) or hangingflies (Mecoptera: Bittacidae). During mating, the males possibly used their mid legs with the expanded distal tarsus to effectively grasp and restrain the females and their elongate hindlegs to suspend themselves and their mate from the vegetation, providing support and stability during copulation.
    Wang et al. discovered a unique male wasp from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, characterized by a crown-like structure on its head and exceptionally long hindlegs. This distinctive morphology suggests a possible association with wood-boring insects. Its elongated hind legs may have enabled it to suspend itself from vegetation, similar to dance flies or hangingflies.
  • Bin Yan, Christopher H. Dietrich, Xiao-Fei Yu, Yan Jiang, Ren-Huai Dai, Shi-Yu Du, Chen-Yang Cai, Mao-Fa Yang, Feng Zhang
    Online available: 2025-06-22
    Cicadomorpha, the most diverse infraorder of hemipteran insects, is a group of plant sap-sucking insects consisting of three monophyletic superfamilies: Cercopoidea, Cicadoidea, and Membracoidea. This study aims to resolve the controversy surrounding the phylogenetic relationships between these superfamilies, specifically whether Cercopoidea is more closely related to Cicadoidea (topology H1) or Membracoidea (topology H2). To tackle this issue, we assembled four matrices, including three amino acid datasets and one nucleotide dataset, and performed comprehensive phylogenomic analyses using both coalescent and concatenation methods. Our results showed that the amino acid matrix with low ratio of missing data-based analyses strongly supported topology H2, indicating that Cercopoidea is sister to Membracoidea. However, the other three matrices yielded conflicting results. Interestingly, when site-heterogeneous models were used, the results flipped, and the datasets that previously supported topology H1 supported topology H2. Further analyses, including model comparisons, tree topology tests, and phylogenetic analyses without an outgroup, also supported the conclusion that Cercopoidea is more closely related to Membracoidea. The study highlights the importance of modeling among site compositional heterogeneity in phylogenomic analyses to mitigate systematic errors. Additionally, we noted that datasets with high missing data ratios may lead to conflicting phylogenetic relationships. Our study provides strong evidence that Cercopoidea is sister to Membracoidea and highlights the importance of careful methodological considerations in phylogenetic analyses.
    The phylogenetic relationships among superfamilies within Cicadomorpha remain unstable despite the use of genome-scale data. This study systematically investigates sources of systematic error in phylogenomic analyses of Cicadomorpha and identifies missing data, sequence type, and model selection as critical factors causing phylogenetic incongruence. By employing multispecies coalescent, site-homogeneous, and site-heterogeneous models for tree inference, our analyses strongly support Cercopoidea as the sister group to Membracoidea rather than to Cicadoidea.
  • Yu-Jin Cui, Chao-Ge Wang, Yu-Cheng Dai, Shun Liu, Yi-Hua Ren, Neil P. Schultes, Patricia O. Kaishian, Ethan Paine, Yuan Yuan, De-Wei Li, Heng Zhao
    Online available: 2025-06-22
    The genus Phaeolus holds significant economic and ecological value as an important pathogen of coniferous trees. Although species diversity within this genus has been described in recent years, there were limited studies of its origin, evolution, and biogeography. In this study, we collected new specimens from China and the United States, and reconstructed the phylogeny, divergence times, and biogeography of Phaeolus based on internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and nuclear large ribosomal subunit (nLSU) sequences. Phylogenetic analyses identified two new species, Phaeolus himalayanus and Phaeolus occidentiamericanus, one new combination, Phaeolus hispidoides, one synonym, Phaeolus fragilis (treated as Phaeolus schweinitzii), and one new record from China, Phaeolus sharmae. Phaeolus himalayanus is characterized by pileate, imbricate basidiomata, round to irregular pores of two to three per millimeter, abundant gloeoplerous hyphae, mango-shaped to ellipsoid basidiospores (5.5–7 × 4–4.5 µm), and distribution in Xizang of China. Phaeolus occidentiamericanus is characterized by pileate, imbricate basidiomata, round to irregular pores of two to three per millimeter, mango-shaped to ellipsoid basidiospores (6.5–7.8 × 4–5 µm), and distribution in the western United States. Molecular clock analyses indicated that the genus Phaeolus likely originated in the Late Cretaceous, with species divergence occurring between 9–71 Ma. Ancestral state reconstruction suggested that the genus originated in the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains region and subsequently dispersed to Europe and North America. The earliest host trees of Phaeolus were probably Abies and Pinus, with all known species capable of growing on Pinus, demonstrating a strong host trees preference. Additionally, a key of the genus Phaeolus is added. This study provides a crucial foundation in pathogen control and ecological conservation of this genus in the future.
    In this study, a robust phylogenetic tree, molecular clock dating, and biogeography of the phytopathogenic fungal genus Phaeolus was established based on the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and nuclear large ribosomal subunit (nLSU) sequences. Phylogenetic analyses identified two new species. Molecular clock analyses indicated that the genus Phaeolus likely originated in the Late Cretaceous. Ancestral state reconstruction suggested that the genus originated in the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains region, and the earliest host trees of Phaeolus were probably Abies and Pinus.
  • Yong-Xiu Song, Hao He, Yu-Yang Zhou, Yan Yu
    Online available: 2025-06-17
    Due to the high cost of whole-genome sequencing and the sampling difficulty of transcriptome sequencing in non-model plants, evolutionary studies often depend on next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. Nonetheless, current approaches typically focus on assembling chloroplast genomes or a few nuclear loci, leaving much of the genomic information from NGS underexploited. In this study, we employed multigenomic data sets and advanced analytical pipelines to reconstruct a robust phylogenetic framework for 39 Bupleurum. Nuclear gene data sets and organellar genomes derived from NGS were analyzed. We successfully reconstructed a robust phylogenetic framework for East Asia (EA) Bupleurum, in which two clades were strongly supported and all intersectional relationships were resolved. Phylogenetic discordance was mainly caused by incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization. Divergence dating estimated the origin of Bupleurum at ∼50.76 Ma, with the two subgenera (Penninervia and Bupleurum) diverging at 42.26 Ma. The EA lineages emerged around 22.85 Ma, with Group I diverging at 11 Ma and Group II at 8.72 Ma. Notably, diversification rates remained stable within both EA groups. Combined with geological events and gene–environment correlations, precipitation seasonality (PSN) showed the strongest phylogenetic signals with the Single Copy Orthologue (SCO) tree. The arid event in Central Asia may have driven the adaptation of EA Bupleurum (especially in EA Group II species) to arid, sun-exposed environments. By integrating phylogenetics, geology, and environmental data, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary history and adaptive strategies of Bupleurum in EA, offering valuable insight into the interplay between genetic and ecological factors in plant diversification.
    In this study, we present a comprehensive phylogenetic framework for East Asia (EA) Bupleurum based on different data sets. By integrating molecular phylogenetics, geological history, and environmental analyses, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary history and adaptive strategies of Bupleurum in EA, offering valuable insight into the interplay between genetic and ecological factors in plant diversification.
  • Chonghui Yao, Qidi Zhu, Zili Zong, Chao Jiang, Weichun Li
    Online available: 2025-06-17
    Burmoniscus Collinge, 1916, the most species-rich genus within the family Philosciidae, presents significant taxonomic challenges due to interspecific morphological convergences and intraspecific variations. This study employs an integrative taxonomic framework combining morphological examination with molecular phylogenetic analyses and species delimitations based on the sequence data of a mitochondrial COI gene and three nuclear genes (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and NaK) to classify Burmoniscus species. Our results reveal 21 species Burmoniscus from China, including 12 new species (Burmoniscus acutatus Li & Jiang, sp. nov., B. obscurus Li & Jiang, sp. nov., B. cuneatus Li & Jiang, sp. nov., B. rectangulatus Li & Jiang, sp. nov., B. solus Li & Jiang, sp. nov., B. spinellosus Li & Jiang, sp. nov., B. cordatus Li & Jiang, sp. nov., B. trispinatus Li & Jiang, sp. nov., B. rotundus Li & Jiang, sp. nov., B. simplicissimus Li & Jiang, sp. nov., B. rubustus Li & Jiang, sp. nov., and B. variatus Li & Jiang, sp. nov.) and firstly report two species, B. schultzi Taiti, Ferrara & Kwon, 1992 and B. comtus (Budde-Lund, 1894) from China. This work highlights the critical role of integrative taxonomy in clarifying species boundaries and uncovering hidden diversity in terrestrial isopods.
    This study employs an integrative taxonomic framework combining morphological examination with molecular phylogenetic analyses and molecular species delimitations to classify Burmoniscus species. Our results reveal 21 species Burmoniscus, including 12 new species and firstly report two species, B. schultzi Taiti, Ferrara & Kwon, 1992 and B. comtus (Budde-Lund, 1894) from China. This work highlights the critical role of integrative taxonomy in clarifying species boundaries and uncovering hidden diversity in terrestrial isopods.
  • Xiaoyue Wang, Shunyu Wang, Yang Li, Xin Li, Quanxiu Fan, Yin Yi, Xiaoxin Tang
    Online available: 2025-06-01
    Floral color and odor serve as attractants for pollinators. It remains unclear how changes in these traits in color-change species interact with pollinators and impact a plant's reproductive success. Lonicera calcarata flowers change from white (Night 1 [N1] and Day 1 [D1]) through yellow (Night 2 [N2]) and orange (Day 2 [D2]) to orange-red (Night 3 [N3] and Day 3 [D3]). Our research showed that floral characters, stigma activity, nectar production and floral spectral reflectance decreased through the flowering phases. Floral odor mainly comprised fatty acids, aldehydes, monoterpenes and alcohols, especially n-hexadecanoic acid, hexadecanal and 3-carene. Floral odor peaked on N1 and N3, largely due to the presence of fatty acids. The emission of n-hexadecanoic acid was higher on N1 and N3 compared with other phases, while hexadecanal emission remained constant throughout the flowering stages. The emission of 3-carene was highest on N1. Lonicera calcarata was mainly pollinated by the moth Chorodna strixaria, the butterfly Acosmeryx naga and three bumblebees (Bombus melanurus, B. eximius, B. sonani) and they all preferred to visit white (younger) flowers. Moths had a preference for 3-carene and no significant preference for n-hexadecanoic acid and hexadecanal. Seed sets of nocturnal pollination and control treatments were not significantly different. Lonicera calcarata could produce seeds by self-pollination; cross-pollination significantly increased the seed set. Floral color guides pollinators to visit younger flowers with more floral rewards and higher stigma activity. Different chemical compounds in floral odor may not only attract pollinators but also avoid herbivore damage.
    Lonicera calcarata flowers change from white through yellow to orange-red. Pollinators favor prechange flowers, guided by color cues. Floral odor mainly comprised fatty acids, monoterpenes, and peaked on Nights 1 and 3, with fatty acids dominating. Moth pollinators are specifically attracted to monoterpenes, while fatty acids may deter herbivores. Floral odor compounds thus balance pollinator attraction and ecological defense.
  • Wei-Bing Zhang, Jannathan Mamut, Ying-Ze Xiong, Shuang-Quan Huang, Dun-Yan Tan
    Online available: 2025-05-29
    An underlying assumption for the size-dependent sex allocation (SDS) hypothesis is that the plasticity of bisexual investments in hermaphrodites would be larger in female than in male allocation, but it has rarely been critically evaluated. Among five sexual morphs in a sexually polymorphic desert herb Geranium transversale, gynomonoecious individuals were the largest, and males were the smallest, while hermaphroditic and andromonoecious plants and females did not differ significantly in plant size. The total number of flowers increased with plant size in all five sexual morphs; in gynomonoecious and andromonoecious plants this was due to an increase in the number of perfect flowers rather than pistillate or staminate flowers. Flower size increased with plant size in hermaphroditic and gynomonoecious plants (due to an increase in the size of perfect but not of unisexual flowers). The sizes of staminate flowers in andromonoecious and male plants, and pistillate flowers in gynomonoecious plants did not increase with plant size, and pistil mass increased but stamen mass decreased with plant size. The coefficient of variation (CV) in pistil and stamen mass among 210 plants in four of the sexual morphs (excluding female plants) indicated that variation in resource allocation among individuals was higher in female than male functions. Both flower number and flower size generally increased with plant size in G. transversale, supporting the SDS hypothesis. The relatively higher plasticity (CV) in female than male allocation has not been reported before, providing a cue for understanding why the female-biased allocation associated with plant size is popular in flowering plants.
    A sexually polymorphic desert herb Geranium transversale has five sexual morphs that vary in plant size, allowing the illustration of the relative plasticity of sex allocation to female and male function in various floral phenotypes. This study is the first to observe a larger variation (coefficient of variation [CV]) in pistil rather than stamen mass across the sexual morphs (except female).
  • Wen-Qian Xiang, Yuan-Mi Wu, Ming-Xun Ren
    Online available: 2025-05-26
    The maintenance of species boundaries between widespread and narrow endemic congeneric species in sympatric sites remains a fundamental question in ecology and evolutionary biology. For plants with specialized pollination mechanisms, pre- and postpollination isolation mechanisms likely play distinct roles in reproductive isolation and species integrity. Parnassia (Celastraceae) is characterized by one-by-one stamen movement and has its distribution center in southwest China, where many widespread and local endemic species coexist. To quantify pre- and postpollination barriers and their relative roles in maintaining species boundaries, we conducted field experiments with the widespread Parnassia wightiana Wall. ex Wight & Arn. and the local endemic Parnassia amoena Diels over two separate years at Jinfo Mountain, southwest China. We examined four prepollination barriers (ecogeography, blooming phenology, stamen movement, and pollinator type) and three postpollination barriers (fruit set, seed production, and seed viability). Our findings indicate that prepollination barriers played a more significant role in reproductive isolation than postpollination barriers. For the widely distributed P. wightiana, ecogeographical isolation was the primary barrier, followed by phenology and pollinator type isolation. In the narrow endemic P. amoena, which exhibits slower stamen movement, this feature contributed significantly to isolation, with phenological isolation being the second most important factor. Among postpollination barriers, seed viability was the most significant for both species. Our results indicate that prepollination barriers are the predominant isolation mechanism for these two sympatric Parnassia species, and stamen movement may serve as a novel type of prepollination barrier, particularly for the narrow endemic species.
    We assessed the relative contribution of prepollination (ecogeography, blooming phenology, stamen movement, and pollinators) and postpollination (fruit set, seed production, and seed viability) isolating barriers in the widespread Parnassia wightiana and the local endemic Parnassia amoena, both characterized by one-by-one stamen movement, at Jinfo Mountain in southwest China. Prepollination barriers played a significant role in reproductive isolation in the two sympatric species. Geographical, phenological, and pollinator isolation were the main barriers for the widespread P. wightiana, whereas stamen movement and phenology contributed most significantly to reproductive isolation for the narrow endemic P. amoena. For postpollination barriers, seed viability was the main barrier for both species. Our results show that stamen movement may act as a prepollination isolation mechanism through modifying the pollen presentation rate, which can be a novel type of pollen dispensing mechanism.
  • Yan‑Da Li, Rafał Ruta, Di‑Ying Huang, Chen‑Yang Cai
    Online available: 2025-05-15
    Recent phylogenomic studies have confirmed that Scirtidae is one of the earliest-diverging groups of polyphagan beetles. Cretaceous fossils and genome-scale data have shown promise in elucidating the evolutionary history of Scirtidae. However, knowledge about the Mesozoic diversity of scirtids remains limited, and a recent phylogenomic study of Australasian Scirtinae failed to consider among-site compositional heterogeneity. In this study, we present a refined phylogeny of Scirtinae by analyzing ultraconserved element data under the better-fitting site-heterogeneous CAT-GTR+G4 model. A new scirtine fossil, Serracyphon philipsi gen. et sp. nov., is reported from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. This fossil is characterized by serrate antennae, uncarinated antennomere 1, absence of subocular carinae, and absence of a buttonhole on subgenal ridges. The placement of Serracyphon is evaluated within our updated phylogenomic framework for scirtine evolution. Additionally, we critically reevaluate the taxonomy of the “Scirtes” fossils previously described from the Eocene of the Isle of Wight.
    The molecular phylogeny of Scirtinae based on ultraconserved elements is reanalyzed using the site-heterogeneous model CAT-GTR+G4. A new scirtine fossil, Serracyphon philipsi gen. et sp. nov., is reported from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, and its placement is evaluated in light of the updated phylogenomic framework of Scirtinae. Additionally, the taxonomy of the “Scirtes” fossils described previously from the Eocene of the Isle of Wight is critically reevaluated.
  • Jia-Rui Han, Shuai Li, Wen-Hui Lian, Lu Xu, Li Duan, Jia-Ling Li, Chu-Ying Feng, Guo-Yuan Shi, Wen-Ling Liu, Qi-Chuang Wei, Wen-Jun Li1, Lei Dong
    Online available: 2025-05-14
    The genus Micromonospora, a globally distributed actinomycete inhabiting diverse ecosystems, is widely recognized for its remarkable biosynthetic capacity and role as a prolific source of bioactive natural products. However, the members of the genus Micromonospora from extreme environments remain largely unstudied. In this study, we isolated 15 Micromonospora spp. strains from samples collected in desert and marine habitats. Based on polyphasic taxonomy approaches eight strains were identified and represent four novel species. Genome mining of the newly isolated strains revealed substantial biosynthetic potential for terpenes (n = 70, 22.9% of total biosynthetic gene clusters [BGCs]) and polyketides (n = 60, 19.6% of total BGCs). Subsequent pan-genomic analysis identified substantial numbers of terpene-related (n = 745, 33.8% of total biosynthetic genes [BGs]) and polyketide-related (n = 728, 33.0%) BGs in the core genome, highlighting their core biosynthetic potential. To further investigate their metabolic capacity, fermentation and metabolomic profiling were conducted to assess the secondary metabolite production capacity of all 15 strains. The results revealed a diverse array of alkaloids (averaging 75.3, 33.4% of total annotated secondary metabolites) and amino acid-derived peptides (averaging 56.3, 25.0% of total). These findings also highlight significant metabolic variations among strains and underscore the pivotal role of fermentation conditions in shaping their metabolic profiles. This study advances the taxonomic and functional understanding of Micromonospora spp. and presents a multi-omics framework combining genome mining and metabolomics to explore the biosynthetic potential of wild-type strains from extreme habitats.
    Fifteen new Micromonospora spp. strains were isolated from desert and marine habitats. Eight strains representing four novel species were proposed. Further integration of genomic and metabolomic analyses comprehensively characterized their biosynthetic profiles. This study expands our cognition of the genus Micromonospora, and proved that multiomics integration could effectively explore the biosynthetic potential of wild-type strains derived from extreme habitats.
  • Qi Chen, Min Deng, Xuan Dai, Wei Wang, Xing Wang, Liu-Sheng Chen, Guo-Hua Huang
    Online available: 2025-05-08
    A robust and stable phylogenetic framework is a fundamental goal of evolutionary biology. As the third largest insect order, Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) are central to terrestrial ecosystems and serve as important models for biologists studying ecology and evolutionary biology. However, for such an insect group, the higher-level phylogenetic relationships among its superfamilies remain poorly resolved. Here, we increased taxon sampling among Lepidoptera (37 superfamilies and 68 families containing 263 taxa), obtaining a series of amino-acid data sets from 69 680 to 400 330 aa in length for phylogenomic reconstructions. Using these data sets, we explored the effect of different taxon sampling with significant increases in gene loci on tree topology using maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. Moreover, we also tested the effectiveness of topology robustness among the three ML-based models. The results demonstrated that taxon sampling is an important determinant in tree robustness of accurate phylogenetic estimation for species-rich groups. Site-wise heterogeneity was identified as a significant source of bias, causing inconsistent phylogenetic positions among ditrysian lineages. The application of the posterior mean site frequency (PMSF) model provided reliable estimates for higher-level phylogenetic relationships of Lepidoptera. Phylogenetic inference presented a comprehensive framework among lepidopteran superfamilies, and revealed some new sister relationships with strong supports (Papilionoidea is sister to Gelechioidea, Immoidea is sister to Galacticoidea, and Pyraloidea is sister to Hyblaeoidea, respectively). The current study provides essential insights for future phylogenomic investigations in species-rich lineages of Lepidoptera and enhances our understanding on phylogenomics of highly diversified groups.
    In this study, phylogenomic reconstructions were performed using a data set comprising 263 lepidopteran taxa spanning 68 families and 37 superfamilies. Taxon sampling is a critical factor influencing the accuracy and robustness of phylogenetic trees in species-rich groups. The analyses supported the sister-group relationships between Papilionoidea and Gelechioidea, Immoidea and Galacticoidea, and Pyraloidea and Hyblaeoidea.