Abstract
Genetic diversity is a fundamental level of biodiversity. However, it is frequently neglected in conservation prioritization because intraspecific genetic diversity is difficult to measure at large scales. In this study, we synthesized population genetic or phylogeographic datasets of 33 seed plants in subtropical China into multi-species genetic landscapes. The genetic landscapes identified 18 evolutionary hotspots with high within-population genetic diversity (WGD), and among-population genetic diversity (AGD), or both. The western subtropical China is rich in AGD (possessing four major AGD hotspots), deserving a high conservation priority. We found that WGD was positively correlated with longitude, with most WGD hotspots locating in east subtropical China. The results showed that the locations of 12 of 18 evolutionary hotspots corresponded approximately to those of previously identified species diversity (SD) hotspots, however, a positive and significant correlation existed only between AGD and SD, not between WGD and SD. Therefore, spatial patterns of species richness in plants in subtropical China cannot generally be used as surrogate for their intraspecific diversity. This study identified multi-species evolutionary hotspots and correlated multi-species genetic diversity with SD across subtropical China for the first time, providing profound implications for the conservation of biodiversity in this important ecoregion.
Highlights
To protect biodiversity within the constraints of limited conservation funding, it is essential to prioritize conservation efforts
It provides the basis for phenotypic variation and adaptation, and underlies the evolutionary processes of lineage diversification and speciation that contribute to the patterns of species, community- and ecosystem-level biodiversity evident today (Crutsinger et al, 2006; Hughes et al, 2008)
GD Hotspots Based on Multiple-Species Genetic Landscapes
Summary
To protect biodiversity within the constraints of limited conservation funding, it is essential to prioritize conservation efforts. Some studies proposed several approaches to map patterns of intraspecific genetic diversity across landscapes and regions with high evolutionary potential (evolutionary hotspots, i.e., regions with high within- and among- genetic diversity) (e.g., Vandergast et al, 2008; Thomassen et al, 2011; Carvalho et al, 2017). These powerful approaches provide an avenue to readily incorporate measure of evolutionary processes into GIS-based systematic prioritization and land-use planning, complementing traditional biodiversity hotspot identification that rely heavily on species richness and endemism
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
