International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 133-146 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 133 Feature Review Open Access The Origin and Evolution of Endemic Birds in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Jingya Li, Jun Li Animal Science Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: lijun@cuixi.org International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0016 Received: 17 May, 2024 Accepted: 22 Jun., 2024 Published: 30 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li and Li, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li J.Y., and Li J., 2024, The origin and evolution of endemic birds in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 14(3): 133-146 (doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0016) Abstract The Tibetan Plateau is a unique region characterized by its high altitude, diverse habitats, and significant endemic biodiversity. This study systematically explores the origins and evolution of endemic bird species in this area, examining geological and climatic history, evolutionary adaptations, and current conservation challenges. The research identified the critical roles of plateau uplift and Quaternary climate changes in driving species formation and genetic differentiation. The endemic birds exhibit significant physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations to cope with the high-altitude environment. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, these species still face significant threats from climate change and human activities. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating phylogenetic, ecological, and behavioral research to guide conservation strategies. Longitudinal studies to monitor the impact of climate change and ensure the preservation of these unique bird populations are crucial. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary processes of biodiversity on the Tibetan Plateau, offering a scientific basis for future conservation efforts. Keywords Qinghai-Tibet Plateau; Endemic birds; Evolutionary adaptations; Phylogenetics; Conservation strategies 1 Introduction The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, often referred to as the “Roof of the World”, is the highest and one of the most extensive plateaus on Earth. It spans over 2.5 million square kilometers and includes vast expanses of grasslands, mountain ranges, and diverse ecosystems. The plateau’s unique geographical and climatic conditions have created a distinct environment that supports a wide array of flora and fauna. The region is characterized by its high altitude, with an average elevation exceeding 4 500 meters above sea level, making it a unique natural laboratory for studying the effects of high-altitude environments on biodiversity and ecological processes. The plateau’s formation is the result of complex geological processes, including the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which has led to its continuous uplift over millions of years. This dynamic geological history, coupled with climatic fluctuations such as glacial and interglacial periods, has significantly influenced the region’s biodiversity. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau serves as a critical biogeographic barrier and a corridor for species migration and evolution. It has become a hotspot for studying speciation, endemism, and ecological adaptations due to its isolation and varied habitats (Jiang et al., 2023). The plateau’s harsh environmental conditions, including low oxygen levels, extreme temperatures, and high UV radiation, have driven the evolution of unique physiological and behavioral traits in the resident species, making it an invaluable region for evolutionary and ecological research. Endemic bird species of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau hold significant ecological, evolutionary, and conservation value. These species have evolved unique adaptations to thrive in the high-altitude, harsh climatic conditions of the plateau. For instance, high-altitude passerine birds from this region have developed increased hemoglobin-oxygen affinity to cope with the low oxygen levels (Zhu et al., 2018). These adaptations are not only fascinating from an evolutionary biology perspective but also provide critical insights into the processes of speciation and adaptation. Furthermore, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau acts as a natural laboratory for studying the impacts of geological and climatic changes on biodiversity, as demonstrated by the uplift of the plateau and glacial oscillations that triggered the diversification of bird species such as Tetraogallus.
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