啮齿动物分子系统地理学研究进展

系统地理学是研究种间及种内不同种群的形成、现有分布格局的历史原因和演化过程的一门学科。基于分子水平,能够更准确地界定物种分布格局,促进分子系统地理学的形成和发展。近年来,分子系统地理研究的开展,促进了对啮齿动物物种分布格局形成机制的理解。对啮齿动物的种内及种上分类阶元的系统演化关系、起源中心与演化历程、影响系统地理格局的因素、鼠害防控和保护生物学等分子系统地理学方面的研究进行了综述。并提出了啮齿动物分子系统地理学未来发展的四点展望:1)综合性系统地理学研究;2)区域系统地理学研究;3)物种演化的全面系统研究;4)新型分子标记和分析方法的发展。

The current progress in rodents molecular phylogeography

Phylogeography is the study of different formations of interspecific and intraspecific populations, as well as the existing historical reasons for those formations and the evolution of their distribution patterns. It is possible to define the species distribution patterns much more accurately on the molecular level so that we could effectively promote the formation and development of molecular phylogeography. In recent years, molecular phylogeographic studies were carried out to promote the understanding the distribution patterns and formation mechanisms of rodent species. In this study, five areas for phylogeography in rodents were reviewed. 1) The phylogenetic relationships between rodent species and species taxa: The studies of molecular phylogeography determining the taxonomic status of rodents were developed from the species level to the phylogenetic level, and had a good foundation for the accurate evaluation of distribution patterns about rodent species. Traditional morphological classification in some species can not fully reflect the real differentiation of phylogenetic geography, especially for widely distributed species or subspecies. The intraspecific phylogenetic studies were very helpful to understand the phylogenetic relation of subspecies or populations. Ecological environment may lead to the convergent evolution of species. The traditional morphological taxonomy standards may result in to the taxonomic status errors of species. The studies about taxonomic status of species on the molecular phylogenetic level can lay the better foundation to understanding the taxonomic status of species and their distribution pattern causes. Molecular phylogenetic analysis on species taxa can show the evolutionary history of a more accurate estimation on closely related taxa unit, which can reflect the geographic distribution of taxa pattern. 2) The center of origin and evolution of the course: Molecular phylogeography methods can provide rich evidences for determining centers of origin about the higher taxa unit of rodents. In the species distribution range, the studies of the different regions could help to understand the center of origin about a species in rodents and its various lineages or subspecies evolutionary process after origin. Origin and evolution of the island rodents have their particularity, which included two aspects. The first aspect that the origin and evolution of the island rodent were closely linked with human activities, and on the other hand, the land bridge theory provide long-distance dispersal of animals theoretical basis. 3) The factors that influenced the geographical pattern of the systems: Because of different degrees and times of many ice ages during the Quaternary ice age, which influence on the geographical differences, distribution and post-glacial refuge diffusion path varies, as well as various rodent species to adapt to different forces that resulting in a variety of rodent animal patterns of biological systems. In addition to the temperature changes of many Quaternary glacial and interglacial, the indirect effects of other historical events of ancient climate changes also further affect terrestrial ecosystems, the same species formation, distribution evolution and formation of biological pattern. Many dramatic events occurred in the late Tertiary and Quaternary geology had significantly direct impact on the distribution patterns of extant rodent. 4) The application of rodent prevention: Molecular biogeography studies promote to investigate the formation of species and distribution evolution pattern, which provide a reliable basis for controlling the harmful rodents. The data and methods of some molecular phylogeography have a reference value for rodent prevention. 5) Conservation biology: The study of intraspecific molecular phylogeography on the spatial distribution of genetic diversity, which could evaluate the level of genetic diversity, the protection value of species and determining ESUs and MUs in some regions. It provides an effective research tool for conservation biology..Four areas for consideration of the molecular phylogeography of rodents future development are proposed: 1) the comprehensive phylogeography; 2) the regional phylogeography; 3) the comprehensive and systematic studies of the evolution of the species; 4) the development of new molecular markers and new analysis methods.