International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol.15, No.3, 144-152 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 150 Figure 2 Phylogenetic tree of the cytogenetically studied Channa species indicating the putative ancestral karyotype (in a rectangle) and range of variability of diploid chromosome numbers (Adopted from Prazdnikov, 2023) 6 Integrated Analysis of Phylogeny and Functional Evolution 6.1 Integrating gene evolutionary trajectories with lineage divergence By looking at how different snakehead fish groups evolved and how their genes changed, we can see how physical changes connect to genetic changes. For instance, early snakehead ancestors first developed simple gills for breathing. Later, different groups evolved their own special genes to control breathing (Cox and Logan, 2021; Laskar et al., 2023). This two-step process shows we need to study both genes and family trees to understand complex features. 6.2 Modeling with integrated omics and ecological data New computer tools now let scientists study genes and environmental factors together (Stupp et al., 2021). These tools help create models that connect genes, environment, and physical traits (Ma et al., 2023). By comparing gene patterns with environmental factors like temperature and water quality, we can predict how species might adapt and see how they spread in the past. For example, studies of Southeast Asian snakeheads using ancient climate data and genes showed sea level changes shaped where these fish live (Prazdnikov, 2023). A new area of research is studying how microbes-like those in water or in the fish’s gut-interact with fish genes. Changes in water quality may affect gut microbes, and these microbes can, in turn, affect how the fish uses energy or adapts. By using multi-omics tools, scientists can look at both the microbes and the fish’s genes at the same time to see how they work together. 7 Concluding Remarks Channa spp., as a highly diverse group of freshwater fish, exhibit a diversity in morphology, ecology, and geographic distribution that is the result of long-term evolutionary adaptation. With the help of modern molecular systematics research, we have basically clarified the phylogenetic relationship of the genus Blackfish: the genus is divided into several major evolutionary branches, and the geographical distribution of each branch is closely related to geological historical events, such as the Himalayan uplift and sea level fluctuations shaping many regional endemic species. Phylogenetic reconstruction has also clarified long-standing taxonomic challenges, identified cryptic species, and corrected some misclassifications, providing a basis for accurate assessment of species diversity.
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