International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 18-25 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 19 1 Global Warming and Alpine Plants 1.1 Impact of temperature rise on alpine ecosystems Temperature rise is one of the most significant features of global warming, which has a widespread impact on alpine ecosystems (Grabherr et al., 2010). As the temperature increases, the climate pattern in high mountain areas has undergone significant changes. This temperature rise has led to changes in the growth season of alpine plants, thereby affecting their life cycle and reproductive patterns. Higher temperatures may also lead to vertical migration of plant communities, affecting the structure and function of alpine ecosystems. For example, some alpine plant species have already advanced their flowering and seed maturation periods to adapt to the earlier arrival of the warm season. This phenomenon may lead to changes in the relationship with plant pollinators (such as bees or butterflies), as their activity time may not be able to keep up with this change, thereby affecting the success rate of plant reproduction. In addition, rising temperatures can increase the risk of fires in high mountain areas, negatively affecting the adaptability and population stability of plants. 1.2 Impact of snowfall and glacier melting Snow and glaciers are important water resources for alpine ecosystems, and global warming has led to reduced snowfall and accelerated glacier melting (Grabherr et al., 2010). This has a direct impact on the survival and growth of alpine plants. The reduced snowfall may lead to scarcity of water resources, affecting the water use of plants and the hydrological cycle of ecosystems. Melting glaciers can alter the water flow patterns in alpine areas, potentially leading to an increase in floods and drought events, further threatening the survival conditions of alpine plants. Some alpine plants rely on snowmelt water for nourishment, and this change in dependency may affect their growth and survival. 1.3 Mountain climate change and adaptability of alpine plants The adaptability of alpine plants depends on their ability to respond to mountain climate change (Grabherr et al., 2010). Global warming has triggered changes in climate factors such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity in high-altitude areas. Alpine plants must adapt to these rapidly changing climatic conditions to maintain their population stability. For example, some alpine plant species have begun to migrate to higher altitudes to adapt to rising temperatures. This migration may lead to increased species competition in lower altitude areas, while plants in higher altitude areas may face new competition and predation pressures. However, due to the adaptation of alpine plants to specific ecological conditions during their evolution, their adaptability may be limited and difficult to cope with rapid climate change. Therefore, understanding the relationship between mountain climate change and the adaptability of alpine plants is crucial for predicting their future survival status. 2 The Concept and Importance of Genetic Diversity Genetic diversity is an important component of biodiversity, involving genetic variations and diversity within species, and is one of the key factors for alpine plant survival and adaptation to global climate change (Ellegren and Galtier, 2016). 2.1 Definition and measurement methods of genetic diversity Genetic diversity can be defined as the genomic differences and genetic variations between different individuals or subpopulations within a biological population. This diversity includes genotype, gene frequency, number of alleles, and the combination of alleles. The measurement of genetic diversity can use various molecular biology techniques and genetic marker analysis methods, including DNA sequencing, microsatellite markers, AFLP (Amplified fragment length polymorphism), etc. These methods allow scientists to understand the genetic differences between different individuals and help researchers reveal the degree of genetic diversity within species. In the context of global warming, the measurement of genetic diversity is of great significance. By tracking the genetic diversity of alpine plant populations, this study can understand their response and adaptability to climate change. The increase in genetic diversity usually means that species have greater adaptability potential when facing environmental changes, as they have more genetic resources to cope with new pressures and selection
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==