Argentina anserina and Argentina lineata are alpine plant species endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). However, the dynamic features of their mitochondrial genome characteristics remain poorly characterized. We conducted de novo assembly and annotation of the mitochondrial genomes of two Argentina species using PacBio HiFi and Illumina sequencing technologies. The mitochondrial genomes of A. anserina and A. lineata both exhibit a single circular structure, with sizes of 294,533bp and 338,624bp, respectively. Both genomes encode 30 protein-coding genes (PCGs) and 3 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, but differ in the number of transfer RNA (tRNA) genes (18 vs. 19), with A. lineata harboring the unique trnS-UGA. Codons exhibit a preference for A/U endings, consistent with their respective genomic GC contents (44.48% and 43.98%). A total of 217 high-confidence RNA editing sites were detected in A. anserina and 209 in A. lineata, with the majority of these edits leading to hydrophobic amino acid substitutions. Experimental validation confirmed RNA editing at four target sites (i.e., nad1-2, nad4L-2, atp6-718, and ccmFC-1312) in A. anserina. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) analysis identified 20 and 29 chloroplast derived sequences in mitochondrial genomes of A. anserina and A. lineata, respectively, including the complete trnD-GUC gene and fragments of atpB, rpoC1, and rpoC2 genes, which contributes to the remodeling of energy metabolic pathways. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the genus Argentina is more closely related to Potentilla than to Fragaria, and synteny analysis further revealed genomic structural divergence among these genera. This study elucidates the potential roles of RNA editing and HGT events in the mitochondrial genome evolution of the two Argentina species, and furnishes valuable mitochondrial genomic resources for alpine plant research.

Although nitrogen (N) enrichment and precipitation changes are known to influence plant phenology and reproduction via altered soil nutrient and water availability, as well as above- and belowground biological processes, how these phenological changes affect reproduction remains unclear. Based on a field experiment with N addition and altered precipitation conducted in an alpine meadow on the eastern Tibetan Plateau since 2020, we explored their effects on plant reproductive phenology, reproductive output, and success from 2023 to 2024. N addition delayed the reproductive period, reduced the flowering asynchrony, and decreased both flower and fruit production in alpine plants. Notably, the interactive effects of N and precipitation addition significantly enhanced fruit set. Phenological shifts mediated plant reproductive responses to N addition and altered precipitation. Specifically, while N addition directly decreased flower and fruit production, it indirectly enhanced fruit set via phenological changes (including the peak flowering and the start of fruiting). These findings highlight the critical role of phenology in mediating alpine plant reproduction responses to N enrichment. Although delayed reproductive phenology enhances fruit set in alpine plants, its compensatory effect on N-induced reproductive losses remains limited under continuous nitrogen enrichment.

Accurately quantifying the sensitivity of alpine vegetation to climate change is a key prerequisite for formulating regional climate change adaptation policies. The sensitivity of the fragile alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau to climate change has received widespread attention. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving mechanisms of this sensitivity are still unclear under continuous warming and wetting. This study, based on MODIS_NDVI and meteorological data from 2000 to 2023, constructed a dynamic Vegetation Sensitivity Index (VSI) framework and integrated Random Forest (RF) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models with Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) attribution analysis to reveal the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving mechanisms of vegetation sensitivity on the Tibetan Plateau. The results show that (1) the VSI of alpine grasslands exhibited a spatial pattern of higher values in the southwest and lower values in the northeast, with an overall upward trend. Specifically, 56.31% of the region showed an increase in the VSI, with the upward trend being more pronounced in the northern plateau. (2) The dominant role of different climate factors varied regionally; vegetation sensitivity to precipitation increased in the northern plateau, and temperature sensitivity decreased in the central plateau, while sensitivity to solar radiation significantly increased in the central plateau. (3) SHAP attribution analysis indicated that elevation was the core factor driving VSI differentiation, showing a higher sensitivity at higher elevations, with lower growth rates. These findings reveal the dynamic evolution of vegetation sensitivity under the warming and wetting climate trend and its elevation-regulated mechanism, providing important scientific insights for regional ecological adaptation management.

Seed dispersal can mediate species interactions between plants across life stages. Plants can physically stop seed movement (seed trapping) and prevent further dispersal following entrapment (seed retention). We therefore hypothesized seed trapping and retention rates depend on the physical attributes of interacting seeds and plants, including seed traits and plant length. For combinations of co-occurring plant species in an alpine community, we experimentally measured seed trapping and retention potential. To measure seed trapping, we determined the rate at which seeds were unable to physically pass through vegetation without stopping after being launched at plants. To assess seed retention, we compared the rate that seeds left vegetation following entrapment across plant and seed species and by seed traits. Seed trapping rates were higher for larger-sized plants and differed among plant species but not seed species. Seed trapping and retention rates were higher for plant species with denser vegetation. Seeds with a pappus were retained less than seeds without, and we observed interactive effects between plant and seed species identity on retention rates. Seed trapping and retention rates are influenced by species identities and the physical attributes of plants and seeds. Because both processes can contribute to where a seed is ultimately dispersed, seed trapping and retention may mediate species co-occurrence and further species interactions.

Meconopsis integrifolia is a famous alpine flower widely admired for its striking yellow flowers, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying this unique pigmentation remain poorly understood. Through integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses across three key floral developmental stages, we identified 87 flavonoids, with flavonols constituting the major differential metabolites. Kaempferol 3-β-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-sophoroside and quercetin 3-O-galactoside were the predominant flavonols, exhibiting a progressive decrease during petal development. We further cloned two pivotal biosynthetic genes, MiFLS2 and MiDFR6, and western blot analysis and subcellular localisation revealed that both proteins are distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Functional verification in transgenic tobacco revealed that MiFLS2 overexpression increased flavonol accumulation while suppressing anthocyanin biosynthesis, leading to lighter-coloured flowers. In contrast, MiDFR6 overexpression coordinately up-regulated both flavonol and anthocyanin pathways but ultimately promoted redder pigmentation, indicating distinct regulatory roles. Critically, we uncovered a possible multilayer regulatory mechanism: The expression of MiFLS2 is negatively correlated with that of upstream flavonoid genes and MiDFR6, hinting at a possible feedback inhibitory role. Conversely, MiDFR6 overexpression is associated with the coordinated upregulation of multiple structural genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, implying a putative positive regulatory function. Metabolite analysis confirmed that pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol 3-β-D-glucopyranoside are key contributors to flower colour variation. Ultimately, the high MiFLS2/MiDFR6 expression ratio in M. integrifolia suggests a key factor in controlling the biochemical fate of dihydroflavonols, conferring yellow coloration. Our findings provide novel insights into the competitive and regulatory mechanisms controlling flower colour in alpine plants.

Meconopsis comprises rare alpine plants with high ornamental value. Due to global warming and human activities, their habitats have been destroyed. To provide data support for the dynamic monitoring of Meconopsis species and ex situ conservation, and to offer reference for species classification within the genus Meconopsis, we focused on two flagship species of typical alpine scree habitats, M. horridula and M. racemosa. Based on the geographic distribution data, we used the MaxEnt model 3.4.4 to simulate the suitable habitat areas of both species for the current (1970-2000) and future (2041-2060, 2061-2080) periods, and used ArcGIS 10.8 to analyze the dominant factors affecting their habitat suitability and the dynamics of suitable areas under future climate warming. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for both Meconopsis species were greater than 0.9, indicating that the model predictions were accurate. Altitude, isothermality, temperature seasonality, and human footprint were the main variables affecting the suitable distribution of M. horridula and M. racemosa. Currently, the total suitable area for M. horridula and M. racemosa were 2.60 million and 1.62 million km2, respectively, with an overlap of 1.58 million km2, indicating that the suitable ranges highly coincided. Currently, the suitable areas of both Meconopsis species were distributed in Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai, Tibet, and Xinjiang, and under the influence of climate warming, there would be a potential migration toward the northwest in the future. The main suitability variables of M. horridula and M. racemosa were consistent, with total suitable ranges being highly coincided.

The Japanese rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta japonica) is an endangered alpine bird endemic to Japan. Wild individuals mainly consume leaves, flowers, and fruits of dwarf shrubs, but captive-reared birds often fail to adapt due to altered cecal microbiota. The bacterial generaSynergistes,Olsenella, andMegasphaeraare typical in wild ceca. To restore these communities in captivity, chicks were fed alpine plants and freeze-dried cecal feces from wild birds. We developed a real-time PCR method to quantify these genera. WhileSynergistes was not fully restored, Olsenella and Megasphaera populations were successfully established. This method provides a practical tool to evaluate feeding strategies and supports the production of release-ready chicks from captive populations.

Does meter-scale snow data matter for modeling alpine plant distribution? A comparison of four data sources at two resolutions

Plant Volatile and Nonvolatile Chemicals Defend against Seed Predators Using Different Strategies in an Alpine Plant–Seed Predator Network

Climate change significantly impacts the survival and distribution of alpine vegetation on the Tibetan Plateau. Endangered Rhodiola species, represented by Rhodiola crenulata (Hook. f. & Thomson) H. Ohba and Rhodiola tangutica (Maxim.) S.H. Fu. are highly sensitive to climate change. Modeling their adaptive distribution and identifying ecological corridors are crucial for developing conservation strategies. Using the biomod2 platform and the MCR model, this study projects the potential geographical distribution of the two Rhodiola species under current and future climate scenarios and further identifies key ecological corridors. The results indicate that under current climate conditions, Rhodiola crenulata is mainly distributed in the southern part of the Tibetan Plateau, while Rhodiola tangutica is primarily concentrated in the northeastern region. Temperature, precipitation, and elevation are identified as key environmental drivers influencing their distribution. Under future climate scenarios, the total adaptive area of Rhodiola crenulata is projected to expand. The most significant expansion, reaching 22%, is projected under the SSP585 scenario in the 2090s. In contrast, the total adaptive area of Rhodiola tangutica is expected to contract, with a reduction of 2.99% under the SSP585 scenario in the 2070s. Based on the migration trends of the two species, ecological corridors suitable for development, such as primary corridors and secondary corridors, were established to support species migration and biodiversity conservation. By integrating species distribution models with the MCR model, this study provides a scientific basis for the conservation of endangered Rhodiola species under climate change.

Alpine habitats, characterized by their high degree of environmental heterogeneity and harsh climatic conditions, support a diverse array of plants with unique adaptive strategies. However, the mechanisms underlying the formation of these adaptive strategies, as well as their intrinsic links to species diversification, remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the evolution of life history traits, fruit characteristics, and variation in the karyotype of alpine species, and their roles in shaping their adaptability to high-altitude environments. We performed a comprehensive analysis of trait diversification, adaptive trait evolution, and their associations with environmental factors in the genus Meconopsis on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Our results revealed that ancestral floral traits were characterized by solitary inflorescences and blue-purple pigmentation, features that have re-evolved at multiple points throughout the evolutionary history of the genus. We found that increased ploidy levels promoted perennial growth and semelparity (single-time fruiting), suggesting that life history strategies and fruiting frequency are strongly coupled. Furthermore, karyotypic variation and abiotic factors such as altitude, soil pH, and climate were found to accelerate the evolution of a perennial fruiting reproductive strategy. Our findings provide new insights into the evolution of adaptive traits in alpine plants and reveal how these species adjust their life history strategies in response to environmental pressures. Our findings enhance our understanding of resource allocation trade-offs in plants in extreme environments and shed light on the relationship between species diversification and adaptive evolution in alpine ecosystems.

Premise: While range expansion is hypothesized to be a mechanism for species persistence under climate change, many eco‐evolutionary models describe demographic and genetic processes during expansion that may increase genetic drift, decrease genetic variation, and ultimately decrease relative fitness at the leading edge. These predictions assume dispersal occurs from the low‐density leading edge during colonization, common in post‐glacial expansion at the continental scale (~20,000 years ago), but relatively understudied on contemporary timescales, like alpine glacier recession since the end of the Little Ice Age (~150 years ago).Methods: We use the native alpine plant Erythranthe (Mimulus) lewisii to quantify neutral genetic diversity (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and infer signatures of genetic drift across two contemporary instances of range expansion on alpine glacier forelands in Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC, Canada, by testing for the presence of signatures of increased genetic differentiation and decreased genetic variation toward the contemporary range edge relative to the historical range core over space and time.Results: We find weak support for the prediction of increasing genetic differentiation toward the range edge, and no support for decreasing genetic diversity toward the range edge. This suggests dispersal occurring primarily from the leading edge is not characterizing colonization, with the implication that potential relative reductions in range‐edge fitness due to range expansion as predicted by theory are likely not applicable in nature at this spatiotemporal scale.Conclusions: Together, our results suggest that demographic dynamics of colonization following alpine glacier retreat do not result in the loss of genetic diversity over space and time.

Trait-based insights into hypercold resilient Haller's sedge (Carex halleriana Asso) along elevation gradient.

ABSTRACT Aim Polar and alpine plants live at the edge of their physiological limits. Thus, relatively small changes in climate can have disproportionate effects on biological and ecological processes. Antarctic mosses display highly variable micro‐topography (canopy architecture) over centimetre scales that correspond with spatial patterns in moss health. We aimed to assess the influence of centimetre‐scale micro‐topography on biologically relevant canopy microclimates across Antarctic moss beds. Location Trans‐Antarctic. Time Period 2018–2023. Major Taxa Studied Moss communities (bryophytes). Methods Spatially explicit microclimate data were measured (canopy temperature and water content) at different micro‐topographic positions (micro‐ridges and valleys, and various micro‐slopes and aspects) within 1 m 2 plots of continuous moss cover in Maritime and East Antarctica. Solar radiation was modelled at 1 cm 2 resolution. Results (1) Moss canopies varied by up to 2.24°C in mean and 15°C in maximum temperature within plots, with centimetre‐scale micro‐topography consistently shaping microclimate conditions. (2) Micro‐topographic position, seasonal solar dynamics and processes such as radiative trapping jointly influence the spatial structure of moss temperatures over centimetre scales. (3) East Antarctic mosses show a greater ability to warm above ambient air temperature compared to Maritime Antarctic mosses and may be especially at risk of exceeding upper temperature thresholds. Main Conclusions This study considers the effect of centimetre‐scale moss micro‐topography on moss canopy microclimates and more broadly offers novel insights into the spatial structure and variation of ground‐level climate over scales typically overlooked by in situ measurements. We discuss centimetre‐scale microclimate variation in terms of moss physiology and observed declines in the health of East Antarctic mosses which visibly map to the micro‐topography. These findings are especially relevant for regions across the globe with short‐stature vegetation, like bio‐crusts, and alpine and polar fellfields. Recognising climate variation at micro‐topographic scales is crucial for understanding ecophysiology and plant–climate interactions.

Nutrient utilization and resorption strategies of three alpine plants along elevation gradients on Changbai Mountain, Northeast China

Understanding alpine plants' survival and reproduction is crucial for their conservation in climate change. This study, based on 273 valid distribution points, utilizes the MaxEnt model to predict the potential habitat and distribution dynamics of Kobresia pygmaea under both current and future climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, SSP585), while clarifying the key factors that influence its distribution. The study indicates that elevation (3527.99-6054.54 m) is the dominant factor influencing its distribution. The current suitable habitat is primarily concentrated in southern and central Tibet, northwestern Sichuan, and southern Qinghai on the Tibetan Plateau, with a total area of 1.13 × 105 km2, of which high- and moderate-suitability areas account for 1.76 × 104 km2 and 3.2 × 104 km2, respectively. Under future climate scenarios (2050s-2070s), the overall distribution pattern remains concentrated on the Tibetan Plateau, but the suitable area exhibits a trend of initial expansion followed by contraction. By the 2050s, the total suitable area increases across all scenarios, with the most pronounced expansion under SSP126. By the 2070s, however, the total suitable area decreases under high-emission scenarios, declining by 9.50% under SSP370 and 6.76% under SSP585, respectively. The reduction in high-suitability areas is more severe, with a maximum decline of 58.75% under SSP3-7.0. Dynamic change analysis shows that approximately 70% of the current high-suitability areas remain stable by the 2050s, with range expansion occurring under low-emission scenarios toward southeastern Tibet, northwestern Sichuan, and southern Golog in Qinghai. In contrast, habitat contraction intensifies by the 2070s, particularly under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, where the reduced area reaches 1.6 times the current high-suitability extent. Centroid shift analysis indicates that the distribution center of suitable habitats migrates northward or northeastward, with a maximum displacement of 206.51 km under the SSP1-2.6 scenario by the 2050s. The results suggest that short-term climate warming may alleviate low-temperature constraints, facilitating the upward and poleward expansion of Kobresia pygmaea into higher-elevation areas. However, prolonged and intensified warming will likely lead to degradation of core habitats, posing a significant threat to its long-term persistence. This study provides a scientific basis for the conservation of alpine ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau and for developing adaptive management strategies under climate change.

In the context of climate change, Rhododendron species are pivotal in sustaining the stability of alpine ecosystems. Within alpine tundra (elevation > 2200 m) and timberline (elevation ~ 2000 m) regions of Changbai Mountain, the three studied Rhododendron species (Rhododendron aureum, Rhododendron lapponicum, and Rhododendron redowskianum) are prevalent; their mechanisms of adaptation to high-altitude environments remain insufficiently understood. This study employed an integrative approach, combining soil chemical analysis, physiological assessments, and molecular evolutionary analysis, to investigate phenotypic plasticity and genetic adaptation of these Rhododendron species. Both habitats demonstrated oligotrophic characteristics, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) observed in the concentrations of soil total organic carbon (TOC), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), and available phosphorus (AP). Nonetheless, soil nutrient variability was more marked in timberline. Physiological traits, including malondialdehyde (MDA), soluble sugar, proline, and soluble protein, exhibited species-specific patterns; for example, R. redowskianum displayed elevated proline content in the timberline habitat, although no consistent inter-habitat trends were identified. From a total of 1995 orthogroups analysed, we identified 279 positively selected genes (PSGs, dN/dS > 1). These genes were found to be enriched in GO terms associated with DNA replication, amino acid transport, and pathway of nucleocytoplasmic transport. The study highlights tissue development and reproduction as primary evolutionary trajectories, while identifying cold stress as a significant environmental selection pressure. This research elucidates Rhododendron’s alpine adaptability and provides insights into alpine plant adaptation mechanisms and species conservation under climate change.

IntroductionCompared to alien invasive plants, native invasive plants have long been overlooked. As a result, many biodiversity hotspots are threatened by invasions of native species, yet lack sufficient policy attention and management interventions. This study focuses on native invasive plants on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) as a case study, aiming to provide guidance for regional management and offer insights for related research in other areas.MethodsWe compiled a comprehensive dataset of 83 native invasive plants and environmental drivers on the QTP. Using spatial statistics and ensemble modeling, we analyzed invasion patterns and projected future trends.ResultsA distinct northwest-to-southeast richness gradient was found, with the southeast as the primary invasion hotspot. This pattern aligned closely with allelochemical diversity, primarily benzenoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Invasion distribution was jointly influenced by allelochemicals, human activities, and climate. Models projected intensification and northwestward expansion of hotspots, increasing risks to protected areas, with invasive hotspot areas expanding by approximately 178.8×104 km2 across scenarios. Moreover, the MaxEnt model demonstrated extremely high predictive accuracy, with the average test AUC for all species reaching 0.9834.DiscussionWe propose targeted management focusing on the southeastern QTP, including allelochemical monitoring via metabolomics and biocontrol using allelopathy-resistant forage grasses and compound-degrading microbes to improve conservation efficiency and adaptability. Our findings unravel the large-scale mechanisms of alpine plant invasions while translating theoretical advances into practical management strategies for this ecologically critical landscape.

The increasingly acknowledged and consequently also better understood microclimatic variability in terrestrial ecosystems has motivated a call for finer spatial resolution in species distribution modelling, especially in the case of sedentary low‐stature organisms such as plants. In contrast, less attention has so far been paid to the way climate should be represented in these models. In fact, most modelling applications rely only on a handful of so‐called bioclimatic variables (i.e. essential climatic variables designed for ecological applications), which is at odds with the hypothesised variation in the sensitivity of individual plant species to different facets of climate. We argue that the recent shift towards microclimate modelling provides a window of opportunity for re‐evaluating the predominant reliance on the small set of bioclimatic variables. We used a unique dataset of 895 1‐m 2 plots with vascular plant species observations and in situ soil temperature measurements across a high‐mountain landscape spanning 1700 elevational metres. From the hourly temperature measurements, we calculated bioclimatic variables as well as 188 additional ‘grid variables' arising from an aggregation of various summary statistics over different parts of the year. We then used those ‘grid variables', their subsets, and the bioclimatic variables to fit species distribution models for 101 plant species with combinations of one, two or three predictors. We found that bioclimatic variables consistently delivered less accurate models than many of the grid variables. Models based on subsets of grid variables only slightly decreased in accuracy and remained superior over bioclimatic variables even after the set was narrowed from the initial 188 to only six variables on the basis of a cluster analysis. These results highlight that modelling species distributions with only a few climatic variables is a viable strategy. However, the most suitable variables may often be different from those that are commonly used nowadays.

Abstract The rate of temperature increase in alpine environments exceeds the global average, threatening alpine plant species. While some species benefit from changing conditions, others decline or risk extinction. Understanding the mechanisms that drive these divergent responses is crucial for biodiversity conservation. Although functional traits have been widely used to predict alpine plant responses to climate shifts, the role of seed traits remains largely overlooked. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that species decreasing in abundance produce shorter-lived seeds than those increasing. Seed longevity was estimated through accelerated ageing tests in 24 alpine and subalpine species from the Northern Apennines (Italy), estimating the time required for seed viability to decline to 50% ( p 50 ) using probit analysis. The relationship between species-specific p 50 value and 21-year population dynamics, quantified via the Cliff ‘Delta’ Index, was tested using a linear model. The results support the hypothesis, revealing a positive correlation between seed longevity ( p 50 ) and species population trends, as measured by Cliff ‘Delta’ index. These findings highlight the potential role of seed longevity as a functional trait linked to plant population dynamics under environmental change. While vegetative traits have often been the focus of climate response studies, our results suggest that regenerative traits also warrant greater attention.