Summary Floral polymorphisms frequently persist across heterogeneous environments despite ongoing gene flow, yet the regulatory mechanisms maintaining discrete phenotypes remain unclear. We tested whether alternative flower-colour morphs in Stellera chamaejasme L. are maintained by canalized gene regulatory architectures that stabilize expression around morph-specific optima. We used a pan-transcriptomic and eco-evolutionary framework integrating genome-wide gene expression profiling, co-expression network analysis, functional enrichment, ortholog-based phylogenomics, and variance-based modeling of regulatory canalization and transgressive expression to quantify regulatory variation across morphs. Transcriptomic variation was structured primarily by morph identity rather than geography, indicating consistent morph-associated regulatory programs. Parental morphs showed reduced within-morph variance in gene co-expression modules, consistent with strong regulatory constraint at the network level. In contrast, a naturally occurring mosaic morph exhibited extensive non-additive and predominantly transgressive expression, with most genes falling outside the parental range. This transgressive signal was modular, with most networks remaining stable while a subset showed elevated variance and disrupted inheritance. Functional analyses further reveal that floral pigmentation is embedded within broader metabolic and stress-response pathways, linking color polymorphism to coordinated physiological states and ecological differentiation.

Mazus dabieshanensis , a newly described species endemic to the Dabieshan Mountains in eastern China, is illustrated and described. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences consistently demonstrate that this new species forms a stable clade with other Mazus species characterized by a pubescent ovary. Morphologically, the new species is readily distinguished by its hard and numerous stolons, plants with white villous, leaves attenuate into a petiole‐like base, corolla upper lip bilobed, lobes without odontolobate incisions. This unique combination of characteristics effectively differentiates it from all other known Mazus species. In conclusion, both morphological evidence and molecular phylogenetic analyses support that this species belongs to Mazus and represents a previously unreported new species clearly distinct from other members of the genus.

Yunnan Province has the largest and most severe rocky desertification area in China. Based on four periods of field monitoring data (2005, 2011, 2016, 2021) covering 65 key counties and on statistical yearbook data from the same periods, this study systematically revealed the spatio-temporal evolution of rocky desertification in Yunnan and its climatic and socio-economic driving mechanisms using dynamic degree analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modelling (SEM). The results show: (1) Over 20 years, the total rocky desertification area decreased from 2,881,399.20 hm2 to 1,712,811.55 hm2, a reduction of 40.56%, and the comprehensive dynamic degree increased from 1.16% to 1.61%, indicating an accelerating improvement. Mild rocky desertification first increased and then decreased, while the areas of moderate and higher grades continuously declined; potential rocky desertification area increased by 46.7%. (2) SEM revealed that climatic conditions (weight 0.35) were the primary factor affecting rocky desertification – increased precipitation and moderately low temperatures favoured reversal. Economic development (weight –0.32) significantly alleviated rocky desertification by raising farmers’income, promoting non-agricultural employment, and increasing fiscal investment. Agricultural intensity (agricultural output value / GDP) was highly significantly positively correlated with rocky desertification degree (r = 0.294), demonstrating the persistent pressure of traditional cropping on karst land. (3) Total population was positively correlated with rocky desertification, whereas population density was negatively correlated, reflecting the complex effect of population migration during urbanisation on land pressure. The study suggests that rocky desertification in Yunnan has moved from a “curbing expansion” stage to a “consolidation and improvement” stage. Future governance should focus on agricultural transformation, climate adaptation, and realisation of carbon sink value, and should strengthen scientific assessment of ecological thresholds and marginal benefits of management.

Biodiversity hotspots are ecologically critical areas requiring special attention due to their rich endemism, unique ecosystems, and vulnerability to environmental pressures. Given the biodiversity value of Bagmati Province, Nepal and the escalating environmental threats it faces, this study employed a mixed-methods approach combining desk review, field observations, consultations, GIS mapping, and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to identify key conservation priorities at both district (meso-hotspot) and local (micro-hotspot) scales. The province harbors notable plant biodiversity, including 114 endemic plant taxa and 50 threatened species with high concentrations in the mountainous and mid-hill districts (Rasuwa, Dhading, Dolakha, and Kathmandu). These ecologically crucial sites, however, face severe and synergistic threats, including rapid forest cover loss, frequent forest fires, rampant growth of invasive species, and high climate vulnerability. Our analysis identified five meso-hotspots (Dhading, Kathmandu, Makwanpur, Chitwan, and Rasuwa) and six micro-hotspots clustered into two key complexes (Chandragiri-Kathmandu-Gokarneshwor and Ruby Valley-Parbatikunda-Gosaikunda). Most of these priority areas lie outside the formal protected area network, highlighting a major conservation gap. These findings reinforce a growing regional consensus that areas outside and between protected areas, including community-managed forests and sacred groves, are indispensable for biodiversity conservation. We urge a landscape-scale approach that mitigates threats, extends conservation beyond and between protected areas, and recognizes the vital stewardship role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).

Hipparion Red Clay of northern China represents one of the most crucial terrestrial mammal records of the Eurasian Neogene. Despite their long-standing relevance to biostratigraphy and palaeoecology, the taphonomic processes governing the formation and preservation of these assemblages remain largely unexplored. Here, we present the first quantitative taphonomic analysis of two Late Miocene sites embedded within the Hipparion Red Clay of the Chinese Loess Plateau: Daidian and Dongmen. These sites are geographically separated (~100 km) and diachronous yet occur within the same regional stratigraphic unit. Large herbivores dominate both assemblages but differ markedly in taxonomic composition, with equids (Hipparion spp.) prevailing at Daidian and rhinocerotids (Chilotherium habereri) dominating Dongmen. Mortality profiles of the dominant taxa indicate attritional accumulation at both sites, characterised by juvenile-biased age structures and the absence of catastrophic mortality signatures. Skeletal representation and completeness patterns are broadly comparable, with a predominance of appendicular elements and consistent underrepresentation of axial and girdle bones. Bone surface modifications related to biostratinomic processes are rare, whereas extensive fragmentation coupled with high skeletal completeness indicates pervasive fossildiagenetic breakage. Statistical analyses reveal no significant differences in bone modification patterns between sites. These results support a depositional model in which vertebrate remains accumulated gradually on low-relief open landscapes through attritional mortality and were repeatedly incorporated into the sedimentary record by very low-energy aeolian dust deposition. The Hipparion Red Clay, therefore, emerges as a taphonomically consistent archive capable of preserving time-averaged vertebrate assemblages with high palaeontological fidelity across space and time.

Cirsium medogense (Asteraceae), a new species from southeastern Xizang, China, is described and illustrated. Based on comprehensive morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses, C. medogense is placed in Cirsium sect. Epitrachys. The new species is morphologically most similar to C. eriophoroides and C. lipskyi, but is readily distinguished from both by its glabrous, campanulate involucre in combination with more numerous, erect capitula and broadly elliptic leaves. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ITS and three chloroplast markers (matK, ndhF, trnL-trnF) indicate that C. medogense is sister to two accessions of C. lipskyi, and together they form a well-supported clade with C. eriophoroides. The recognition of C. medogense is therefore supported by both morphological distinctiveness and molecular evidence. This discovery enhances understanding of species diversity and phylogenetic relationships within Cirsium and underscores the importance of continued botanical exploration and conservation efforts in this floristically rich region.

The phylogenetic relationships of Eggysodon and Hyracodon have been debated for over a century. We describe a new species, Allacerops ningdongica sp. nov., based on a mandible from the early Oligocene sandstone of the Qingshuiying Formation, Ningdong Town, Northwest China. This specimen is characterized by the presence of all three incisors, a large canine, a U-shaped outline of the trigonid, and a nearly straight protolophid of lower premolars p3 and p4. Our parsimony analysis supports the revalidation of the subfamily Allaceropinae and confirms that Allaceropinae and Eggysodontinae are not synonymous. Furthermore, our analysis unites these two subfamilies, as well as Hyracodontinae, within the family Hyracodontidae. The specimens previously identified as Eggysodon gaudryi from the early Oligocene of Moissac, France, should be assigned to Allacerops due to the presence of all three incisors and a large canine, and “Allacerops” minor from the Oligocene of Tata-Gol and Ulan Ganga, Mongolia seems to be closely affiliated with Eggysodon.

Abstract Allium subgenus Melanocrommyum represents a major Eurasian lineage within Allium, yet its centres of diversity and endemism have not been evaluated using spatial phylogenetic approaches. Here, we analysed 4642 georeferenced occurrence records representing 170 taxa together with plastome- and ITS-based phylogenetic datasets to assess species richness, weighted endemism, phylogenetic diversity, phylogenetic endemism, relative phylogenetic endemism, categorical neo- and paleo-endemism, turnover, and environmental correlates of phylogenetic diversity. Our results confirm the Irano–Turanian region as the main evolutionary centre of Allium subg. Melanocrommyum, with the strongest concentration of species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and phylogenetic endemism in the Central Asian mountains, especially the Tian Shan and Pamir–Alay systems. These areas contain both high species numbers and geographically restricted evolutionary history, indicating their role as centres of diversification and long-term lineage persistence. Weighted endemism highlights additional narrow-range species centres in Central Uzbekistan (Kyzylkum, Navoi Region) and north-western Iran (Ardabil and East Azerbaijan provinces), showing that species-level endemism and phylogenetic endemism are not fully congruent. CANAPE identifies Central Asia mainly as a centre of paleo-endemism, whereas Western Irano–Turanian and Anatolian regions show more fragmented mixed-endemism patterns. Turnover analyses further reveal a strong west–east biogeographic structure across the range. Environmental models suggest that phylogenetic diversity is associated with intermediate climatic seasonality and solar radiation and tends to be lower in more wind-exposed areas. Overall, this study shows that conservation priorities in Allium subg. Melanocrommyum should integrate species richness, endemism, evolutionary history, and environmental context, with Mountains of Central Asia representing the most important reservoirs of irreplaceable evolutionary diversity.

Abstract The transformation from prey to predator is a striking adaptive innovation shared by all carnivorous plants, which capture and digest diverse animal prey for nutrients (nitrogen, N). Here, we report carnivory in the alpine flowering plant Saxifraga candelabrum (Saxifragaceae; Saxifragales). Field experiments and herbarium surveys reveal that this plant actively attracts and captures insect prey via glandular hairs. Enzymatic analyses further confirm the ability of plants to digest prey, and isotope labelling experiments using ¹⁵N-labelled insects demonstrate the transfer of nitrogen from prey to plant tissues, thus verifying the presence of carnivory. Genomic comparisons reveal a significant genome-wide convergence in genes related to carnivory (e.g., leaf morphogenesis, digestion and nutrition) across six independent origins of carnivory in diverse flowering plant lineages. Our findings provide definitive evidence of carnivory in Saxifraga , addressing Charles Darwin’s long-standing hypothesis that some Saxifraga species may be capable of carnivory, and further suggest that carnivory may be more widespread among angiosperms than previously recognized.

Chromosome structure plays an important role in plant evolution by influencing genome organization, species differentiation, and responses to environmental conditions. Chromosome architecture can shape genome function and correlate with taxonomic history, phenology, and stress tolerance, but the ecological and evolutionary significance of chromosomal variation is still poorly understood in many wild plant groups. We analyzed five wild Tulipa from Uzbekistan, T. affinis, T. kaufmanniana, T. ingens, T. tubergeniana, and T. turkestanica to quantify karyomorphometric variation and assess whether patterns are consistent with ecological or phylogenetic context. Using classical karyotyping and digital morphometrics, we quantified morphometric indices. All taxa were diploid (2n = 24) but chromosome sizes differed markedly. T. tubergeniana showed a derived, highly asymmetrical karyotype. T. ingens is comparatively stable while T. turkestanica has the smallest chromosomes with high AR. Across species, HCL spans 94.90–112.67 μm; larger HCL in T. kaufmanniana likely reflecting genome expansion. Digital measurements yielded lower chromosome length than historical studies, highlighting the improved precision of image-based approaches. Karyomorphometric profiles revealed karyotype divergence within the genus. Potential links to life-history and stress tolerance are hypotheses for future testing with phylogenomic and ecological experiments, with implications for conservation and climate-resilience planning.

Pleistocene caballine horses exhibited considerable genetic diversity and maintained broad population connectivity across their range. The extinct Dalian horse (Equus dalianensis) from northeastern China likely contributed to this network. Here, we sequenced 20 complete mitochondrial and two nuclear genomes, establishing the Dalian horse as a distinct genetic clade within Northeast Eurasian caballines and extending its known geographic distribution. Ancestry component analyses revealed a distinctive component of Eastern Beringian (E-EBer), i.e. American ancestry in Dalian horses, absent from other Northeast Asian equids. The proportion of this ancestry fluctuated between approximately 50ka and approximately 32ka, consistent with contact with E-EBer populations followed by dilution through later admixture. Combined with published evidence of very low (<0.7%) and uneven E-EBer ancestry in Late Pleistocene Northeast Siberian (NEsib) horses, our data document spatiotemporal overlap and gene flow between Dalian and NEsib horses, supporting the hypothesis that Dalian horses served as intermediaries in the transmission of American ancestry to Eurasia. When integrated with stable isotope evidence, these genomic results suggested that Dalian horse's specialized dietary niche constrained its ability to adapt to rapid Late Pleistocene environmental change, ultimately contributing to its extinction. These findings highlight the Dalian horse's role in Late Pleistocene connectivity and extinction dynamics in northern Asia.

Lagomerycinae(/-dae) is a group of small- to medium-sized stem cervids with coronate antlers that lived in Eurasia during the Early-Middle Miocene. In this study, we report the middle part of a braincase bearing a pair of frontal appendages and the middle part of a right mandibular body with p4-m2, unearthed from the lower sandstone bed of the Dongxiang Formation (similar to 17.2 Ma). The new material represents a novel genus of Lagomerycinae(/-dae), Loxomeryx gen. nov., and is assigned to the type species Loxomeryx guangheensis (originally Stephanocemas guangheensis Deng et al., 2014). The new genus is larger than the European Lagomeryx. The pedicle is straight, slender and distinctly inclined backwards. The antler has a forked construction with a multi-pointed palm portion at the base. The antler to pedicle length proportion in Loxomeryx gen. nov. is similar to that in Ligeromeryx. This proportion is larger than that in Lagomeryx but smaller than those in Stephanocemas and Paradicrocerus. We also conducted a phylogenetic analysis using the maximum parsimony method based on 64 characters of the cranial appendages and teeth. The result shows that Loxomeryx gen. nov. is nested within a clade consisting of Stephanocemas and two Asian 'Lagomeryx', i.e. L. manai and L. complicidens. In addition, this analysis supports the assignment of Ligeromeryx colberti (originally Stephanocemas colberti Young, 1937) to the genus Ligeromeryx. Paradicrocerus was found to be excluded from Lagomerycinae(/-dae), forming part of the Dicrocerinae clade.https://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:50890AB7-7A7D-4409-A740-A081BF52E717

Saxifraga L., the largest genus in Saxifragaceae with ca. 420 species, represents a characteristic example of rapid radiations in mountain systems. Understanding the processes underlying this exceptional species diversity provides insights into the mechanisms shaping mountain plant diversification. Here, we integrate plastid genomes (∼60% of species) and low-copy nuclear loci (∼80%) to reconstruct the diversification history of Saxifraga. Our results establish the most comprehensive phylogeny of the genus to date, clarify relationships among major lineages, resolve the placement and monophyly of several previously ambiguous sections, and reveal extensive cyto-nuclear discordance in recent radiations. Divergence dating indicates a Late Cretaceous origin followed by multiple dispersal and radiation events. Despite this ancient origin, most extant diversity derives from recent rapid radiations. Biogeographic reconstructions further suggest that Saxifraga most likely originated in East Asia, followed by independent colonizations of the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau and surrounding mountains, where complex topography and climatic fluctuations promoted diversification. Together, this study provides new insights into the heterogeneous tempo and mode of diversification in Saxifraga and highlights the role of both geography and ecological strategies in shaping alpine biodiversity. These findings refine the evolutionary history of this taxonomically complex genus and provide broader understanding of plant radiations in mountain systems.

The genus Tulipa is taxonomically complex and highly diverse in Central Asia, yet genomic resources for many wild species remain limited. We sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast genomes of Tulipa turkestanica and T. biflora, two morphologically variable species from Uzbekistan, to investigate plastome structure, repeat composition, and phylogenetic relationships. Both genomes exhibited conserved quadripartite organization with nearly identical sizes (152,022–152,025 bp) and each encoding 84 protein-coding genes, reflecting high structural stability within the genus. Comparative analyses revealed strong A/T bias in simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in both species. However, T. turkestanica displayed a higher number and greater diversity of SSR motifs, including species-specific dinucleotide repeats (particularly AT and AG/CT motifs), suggesting differential microsatellite accumulation during evolutionary divergence. Phylogenomic reconstruction based on complete chloroplast genomes provided robust resolution within subgenus Eriostemones, placing T. biflora with T. sogdiana and T. turkestanica with T. buhseana, both with strong bootstrap support (BS = 100). The petD-rpoA intergenic region exhibited the highest nucleotide diversity (π = 0.01625), representing a promising marker for population genetic studies. These genomic resources enhance our understanding of tulip systematics and provide valuable tools for conservation genetics in these threatened wild species.

Stem pecorans radiated globally near the Oligocene-Miocene boundary but remain poorly documented in China. We report a new stem pecorans, Labrangomeryx dorcapolis nov. gen., nov. sp. and previously reported Sinopalaeoceros xiejiaensis, from the earliest Miocene (similar to 23-20 Ma) of Gansu, China. Labrangomeryx nov. gen. exhibits bunoselenodont dentition with unique traits: a bifurcated p4 anterior conid, strong metastylids, and absent entoconulid in molars, linking Eurasian and North American taxa (e.g., Pomelomeryx, Problastomeryx). Sinopalaeoceros displays high hypsodonty and m3 entoconulid, resembling North American merycodontines rather than later Asian bovids. Both taxa lack cranial appendages, pointing towards a placement within stem pecorans. An enigmatic large p4 may present a tylopodan affinity, implying North American ties. These findings reveal early pecoran diversification in Eastern Asia and underscore transcontinental faunal exchanges during the early Miocene, bridging Eurasian and North American evolutionary narratives. The absence of crown-family cranial features highlights unresolved systematic positions but enriches understanding of pecoran morphological plasticity during their initial radiation. (c) 2025 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

Here, we describe a new ecomorph of Nimravidae, Taotienimravus songi gen. et sp. nov., from the middle Oligocene of eastern Asia. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the new species is closely related to Nimravus and Dinaelurus, and it represents a non-sabertooth ecomorph form with initial bone-cracking adaptation-a unique form among Nimravidae. An increase in body size among Nimravidae appears to have coincided with the demise of Oxyaenidae, another carnivorous clade in the Palaeogene. The initial emergence of macrocarnivorous adaptation of Carnivora by a felid-like ecomorph probably reflects competition dynamics. Nimravidae successfully occupied several ecological niches that were not exploited by Felidae, probably owing to the lack of competition within Carnivora during much of their evolutionary history. Our study underscores the role of both abiotic and biotic factors in shaping niche availability for these animals, emphasizing the need for discussions on niche change and evolution to be grounded in these considerations.

The paleoenvironments and ecosystems of northern China during the Miocene (ca. 23-5.3 Ma) are complex topics, especially concerning the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau on the surrounding areas and the ecological adaptations of mammals as a consequence. Our data integrated stable carbon and oxygen isotope analysis, cenograms, and hypsodonty of herbivorous mammals. The results reveal open, arid, savanna-like habitats in the Junggar Basin during the late early Miocene (ca. 20.4-15.9 Ma). These habitats subsequently spread to northern China by the late Miocene (ca. 11.6-5.3 Ma), driving mammalian adaptation. Large herbivores, particularly proboscideans and rhinocerotids, exhibited strong adaptations to these new open environments, while smaller taxa maintained a preference for more closed, forested habitats. Additionally, during global climate changes, biodiversity declined, indicating increased ecological pressure. Despite these changes, faunal diets in the Junggar Basin remained consistent. Our findings contribute to understanding mid-Miocene paleoecology in northern China and the adaptive strategies of mammals in response to environmental changes.

Documented over the course of several years of scat sampling, we report on two different incidents of wild giant panda osteophagy in Sichuan Province, China. To confirm that the dense, white, fecal pellets were bone and from pandas, we sent samples to a mineralogy lab for analysis and extracted DNA. This analysis both confirmed our suspicion of osteophagy, and one sample yielded enough DNA to confirm the depositing species as giant panda. Though rare and consisting of less than 1