International Journal of Marine Science, 2025, Vol.15, No.3, 130-143 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 141 7 Conclusion 7.1 Significance of phylogenetic reconstruction The reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationship of the genus Mackerel based on whole genome data not only clarifies the evolutionary context of the species in this genus, but also provides an important scientific basis for fishery resource management and aquaculture. By integrating multiple molecular evidences, researchers optimized the classification system of the genus Mackerel and confirmed the existence of cryptic lineages and new species, such as the resurrection of the leopard mackerel and the internal regional differentiation of the sharp-toothed mackerel. These findings enrich our understanding of marine biodiversity and highlight the unrecognized genetic diversity in marine fish. The phylogenetic tree combined with molecular clock analysis depicts the evolutionary process of the genus Mackerel for tens of millions of years since the Paleogene, revealing that its multiple radiations and differentiations are closely related to geological and climatic events. These macro perspectives help us understand the historical reasons for the formation of the current species distribution pattern and provide a reference for predicting future changes. More practically, phylogenetic research points out the direction for the conservation and management of species and populations: which lineages are the most unique and need to be protected first, and which populations have important genetic value and should avoid mixed use. This information is especially important when formulating plans for stocking or transplanting across regions. At the same time, this review illustrates how whole genome technology can be used for genetic improvement in aquaculture. From maintaining genetic diversity to trait selection, coupled with the introduction of molecular tools, traditional aquaculture has entered a new stage of refinement and scientificization. The case study of Spanish mackerel shows that the intersection of evolutionary biology and aquatic science can produce huge synergistic effects. The evolutionary perspective can enhance our understanding of the genetic nature of farmed species, and the needs of aquaculture practice also provide new topics for evolutionary research. 7.2 Outlook for future research directions Although the whole genome phylogenetic study of the genus Spanish mackerel has made important progress, there are still many issues that deserve further exploration. In future research, we propose the following prospects: (1) Comprehensive pan-genome and adaptive evolution research: In the future, genome sequencing can be performed on more species and different geographical groups of Spanish mackerel to construct a "pan-genome" map of the genus. This will help identify species-specific gene variants and adaptive genetic markers, and further reveal the genetic mechanism of Spanish mackerel's adaptation to different environments (such as temperature and salinity). (2) Hybridization and gene flow research: Phylogenetic trees show that some Spanish mackerel species have overlapping geographical distributions, which provides the possibility of potential interspecific hybridization. In the future, genomic data can be used to detect whether interspecific hybridization and gene introgression have occurred historically or currently. For example, the contact area between the leopard Spanish mackerel and the true Spanish mackerel lineage distributed in the waters of Southeast Asia can be studied in detail, and genome colinearity analysis and gene tree inconsistency detection can be used to identify whether there is gene fragment exchange between them. This is not only related to species definition, but also meaningful for genetic risk assessment to prevent hybridization of different species in aquaculture. (3) In-depth functional gene research and molecular breeding practice: On the basis of obtaining the genome and phylogenetic framework, in-depth functional gene research should be carried out, including gene editing to verify the function of key genes, transcriptome analysis of changes in gene expression of fish under different conditions, etc. In particular, around economic traits such as growth, disease resistance, and reproduction, find major effect gene sites and analyze their action pathways. (4) Ecogenomics and climate change response: In the face of global climate change, it is recommended to use the Spanish mackerel genus as a model to carry out ecological genomics research on marine fish to environmental
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