Comparative phylogeography reveals dissimilar genetic differentiation patterns in two sympatric amphibian species

Abstract

AbstractGlobal climate change is expected to have a profound effect on species distribution. Due to the temperature constraints, some narrow niche species could shift their narrow range to higher altitudes or latitudes. In this study, we explored the correlation between species traits, genetic structure, and geographical range size. More specifically, we analyzed how these variables are affected by differences in fundamental niche breadth or dispersal ability in the members of two sympatrically distributed stream‐dwelling amphibian species (frog,Quasipaa yei; salamander,Pachyhynobius shangchengensis), in Dabie Mountains, East China. Both species showed relatively high genetic diversity in most geographical populations and similar genetic diversity patterns (JTX, low; BYM, high) correlation with habitat changes and population demography. Multiple clustering analyses were used to disclose differentiation among the geographical populations of these two amphibian species.Q. yeidisclosed the relatively shallow genetic differentiation, whileP. shangchengensisshowed an opposite pattern. Under different historical climatic conditions, all ecological niche modeling disclosed a larger suitable habitat area forQ. yeithan forP. shangchengensis; these results indicated a wider environment tolerance or wider niche width ofQ. yeithanP. shangchengensis. Our findings suggest that the synergistic effects of environmental niche variation and dispersal ability may help shape genetic structure across geographical topology, particularly for species with extremely narrow distribution.