International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 1-9 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 6 3 Adaptive Variation of Mammalian Genomes in Terrestrial Ecosystems Mammals play various important roles in terrestrial ecosystems, and their genomic adaptive variations enable them to survive and reproduce under different environmental conditions (Seeber et al., 2022). 3.1 Adaptive variation in alpine ecosystems Alpine ecosystems typically have extreme climate and terrain conditions, including low oxygen, low temperatures, and steep terrain. Mammals exhibit unique adaptive variations under these conditions. Some alpine mammals, such as snow leopards and ferrets, have dense fur to resist the cold. The color of its hair is usually integrated with the surrounding environment, providing camouflage. In addition, some alpine animals such as red deer have larger lungs and hearts to better cope with hypoxic environments. High mountain vegetation may be sparse, leading to scarcity of food resources. Some alpine mammals, such as snow rabbits, have developed special food strategies, such as eating rhizomes, moss, and underground plant parts to meet their energy needs. 3.2 Adaptive variation in forest and grassland ecosystems Forest and grassland ecosystems provide diverse habitats, and mammals exhibit different adaptive variations in these environments. In forest ecosystems, arboreal mammals such as squirrels and monkeys typically have superior climbing and jumping abilities to obtain food in the canopy and avoid predators. Terrestrial mammals such as foxes and wolves adapt by chasing prey on the ground. The types of plants and prey in different types of forest and grassland ecosystems vary. Mammalian food selection and digestive ability may develop different adaptive variations. For example, giant pandas have evolved a digestive system specifically for eating bamboo in the bamboo forest ecosystem. 3.3 Adaptive variation in polar and desert ecosystems Polar and desert ecosystems are one of the most extreme environments on Earth, and mammals require special adaptations to address these challenges. In polar ecosystems, temperatures are extremely low and ice and snow cover most of the time. Mammals such as polar bears and penguins have special fur or feathers to maintain body temperature, while also possessing a thick layer of fat to provide additional warmth and energy reserves. Desert ecosystems typically have characteristics of high temperature and low moisture. Mammals such as desert foxes and camels have developed efficient water conservation mechanisms that can survive without water sources. Their hair and behavioral habits also help lower body temperature. 3.4 Protection and management of genomic adaptive variations The adaptive variation of the mammalian genome is crucial for its survival and reproduction. However, climate change and human activities may have negative impacts on these ecosystems, threatening the adaptability of mammals. Therefore, protecting and managing these ecosystems has become particularly important. This can be achieved by establishing nature reserves, implementing sustainable resource management measures, and mitigating climate change to ensure that mammals continue to exhibit adaptive variation in various ecosystems. 4 Adaptive Variation of Mammalian Genomes in Aquatic Ecosystems The aquatic ecosystem includes freshwater and marine environments, as well as wetlands and estuaries. These waters provide diverse habitats, and mammals exhibit different adaptive variations in these environments (Micheletti et al., 2018; Liggins et al., 2020). Mammals in aquatic ecosystems exhibit diverse adaptive variations, enabling them to survive and reproduce in different aquatic environments. However, these ecosystems face multiple threats and require protection and management measures to ensure that the adaptability of mammals can be maintained and promoted. These efforts not only contribute to protecting the diversity of mammals, but also contribute to maintaining the stability and health of aquatic ecosystems. 4.1 Adaptive variation in freshwater ecosystems Freshwater ecosystems include lakes, rivers, and freshwater wetlands, which are widely distributed worldwide. Mammals face unique adaptive challenges in freshwater environments. Some mammals, such as beavers and hippos, have aquatic adaptability and live and reproduce in water. Their limbs and hair structure enable them to swim and dive in water while maintaining body temperature and buoyancy. The food resources in freshwater
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