Phenotypic and genomic adaptations to the extremely high elevation in plateau zokor (Myospalax baileyi)

• DOI: 10.1111/mec.16174
• Publication Date: 2021-09-12T18:52:35Z
• Authors: Tao Zhang; Jie Chen; Jia Zhang; Yuan‐Ting Guo; Xin Zhou; Meng‐Wen Li; Zhi‐Zhong Zheng; Tong‐Zuo Zhang; Robert W. Murphy; Eviatar Nevo; Peng Shi
• Keywords: Local adaptation; Phenotypic trait

The evolutionary outcomes of high elevation adaptation have been extensively described. However, whether widely distributed endemic animals adopt uniform mechanisms during to different elevational environments remains unknown, especially with respect extreme environments. To explore this, we analysed the phenotypic and genomic data seven populations plateau zokor (Myospalax baileyi) along elevations ranging from 2,700 4,300 m. Based on whole-genome sequencing demographic reconstruction history, show that two living at exceeding 3,700 m diverged other nearly 10,000 years ago. Further, comparisons reveal stress-dependent adaptation, as elevated ratios heart mass body relative populations, highest population (4,300 m) displays alterations in erythrocytes. Correspondingly, analysis selective sweeps indicates positive selection might contribute observed these extremely adaptive cardiovascular phenotypes both possibly evolving under functional constrains their common ancestral population. Taken together, evidence demonstrates heterogeneous stressors impact adaptations reveals genetically constrained hypoxia, collectively providing new insights into adaptation.