International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 18-25 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 21 3 The Mechanism of Genetic Diversity Changes in Three Alpine Plants The mechanism of genetic diversity changes in alpine plants is key to understanding how they adapt to global warming (Stöcklin et al., 2009). The genetic diversity of alpine plants is influenced by various complex mechanisms, including the impact of temperature on gene flow, genetic drift and natural selection, as well as genetic diversity and genetic relationships. 3.1 The impact of temperature on gene flow The rise in temperature has a direct impact on the genetic diversity of alpine plants, and one key mechanism is the impact of temperature on gene flow. Gene flow refers to the process of gene exchange between different subpopulations or populations. In alpine ecosystems, cooling temperatures typically limit gene flow because ecological barriers between species are difficult to cross. However, as temperatures rise, vegetation zones and ecosystem boundaries in high mountain areas may change, thereby promoting gene flow. Specifically, as temperatures rise, the distribution range of alpine plants may migrate upwards, leading to gene exchange between populations at different heights. This can increase genetic diversity as genetic material from different subpopulations mixes with each other. However, this gene flow may also bring some challenges, such as increasing the risk of gene pollution, where foreign genes flowing into purebred populations may disrupt local adaptive characteristics. 3.2 Genetic drift and natural selection Genetic drift and natural selection are two other important mechanisms that affect the genetic diversity of alpine plants. Genetic drift refers to the change in gene frequency caused by random events, especially in small populations. In small populations of alpine plants, genetic drift may cause certain genotypes to become more common, while others may be lost. This process may reduce genetic diversity, especially in small populations. Natural selection refers to the process of environmental selection for different genotypes. In the context of global warming, alpine plants may face new climate challenges, such as higher temperatures, more frequent droughts or fires. Natural selection will tend to select individuals with adaptive characteristics, making them more likely to survive and reproduce. This helps to maintain and increase genotypes with adaptive characteristics, thereby enhancing genetic diversity. 3.3 Genetic diversity and genetic relationships The genetic diversity and genetic relationships of alpine plants are closely related. Kinship refers to the degree of kinship between different individuals, usually determined through genomic analysis. The distribution and genetic relationships of genetic diversity help us understand the relationships between genotypes within species and the maintenance mechanisms of genetic diversity. In alpine plants, genetic relationships may affect the distribution of genetic diversity. Individuals with closer relatives may be more genetically similar, while individuals with farther relatives may be more genetically different. This difference may reflect different adaptive strategies and niches. In the context of global warming, gene exchange between individuals with closer relatives may be more frequent, while communication between individuals with farther relatives may be less, thereby affecting the distribution pattern of genetic diversity. In addition, understanding genetic relationships can also help protect the genetic diversity of alpine plants. By identifying genetic relationships, targeted population selection can be carried out for protection and management to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity among different genetic populations. This helps improve the adaptability and survival ability of plants to cope with climate change and environmental challenges. 4 The Impact of Global Warming on the Adaptability of Alpine Plant Species Global warming has had a complex and profound impact on the adaptability of alpine plant species (Jay et al., 2012). Understanding the relationship between genetic diversity and adaptability, changes in intra and inter species adaptability, and potential ecological and genetic risks is crucial for developing protection and management measures to ensure the survival of alpine plants. These species play an important role in alpine
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