Phylogeography of a dominant desert lizard reveals the synergistic effects of topography and climate dynamics on diversification in arid eastern-Central Asia

• DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2024.327
• Publication Date: 2025-03-11T22:02:26Z
• Authors: Abid Ali; ; ; Da-Li Chen; Tatjana N. Dujseb...; Qi Song; Khayankhyarvaa Te...; Jun Li; Yin Qi; Xian-Guang Guo
• Keywords: Central Asia; Desert (philosophy); Desert climate

Comprehensive phylogeographic insights require the integration of evidence across diverse taxa, ecosystems, and geographical regions. However, our understanding arid biota vast Asian drylands remains limited. Accordingly, this study combined analyses with ecological niche modeling to investigate patterns diversification demography Central racerunner ( Eremias vermiculata), a widespread lizard inhabiting eastern-Central Asia (AECA). Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences were obtained from 876 individuals 113 localities, while three nuclear genes- CGNL1, MAP1A, β-fibint7-were sequenced 204, 170, 138 individuals, respectively. Analyses identified four distinct mtDNA lineages corresponding specific geographic subregions within AECA, reflecting topographic heterogeneity region. The detection mito-nuclear discordance indicated presence complex evolutionary dynamics. Divergence dating placed initial lineage splits at approximately 1.18 million years ago, coinciding major tectonic activity climatic aridification that likely promoted allopatric divergence. In particular, Tarim Basin suggests recent environmental shifts may have contributed genetic Demographic reconstructions revealed signatures population expansion or range all during Last Glacial Maximum, signifying influence unique topography climate dynamics AECA on demographic change. These results highlight need for fine-scale genomic investigations clarify mechanisms underlying local adaptation. Such efforts are essential advancing how diversity in dryland taxa responds change, providing into adaptability species dynamic landscapes.