Molecular phylogeny and species delimitation unravel climate-driven diversification and cryptic radiation in Iranian steppe Vipers (Vipera ursinii-renardi complex)
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60077344%3A_____%2F25%3A00643353" target="_blank" >RIV/60077344:_____/25:00643353 - isvavai.cz</a>
Alternative codes found
RIV/60076658:12310/25:43910353
Result on the web
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-26158-y" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-26158-y</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-26158-y" target="_blank" >10.1038/s41598-025-26158-y</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
Molecular phylogeny and species delimitation unravel climate-driven diversification and cryptic radiation in Iranian steppe Vipers (Vipera ursinii-renardi complex)
Original language description
Accurate delineation of biodiversity units is essential for effective conservation, particularly in species complexes with cryptic diversity and fragmented distributions. In this study, we investigated the genetic structure, phylogenetic relationships, and phylogeographic history of Iranian populations within the Vipera ursinii-renardi complex by analysing two mitochondrial genes (cyt b, ND4) and three nuclear loci (PRLR, BDNF, NT3) from 12 individuals sampled across the species' known range. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses revealed two well-supported evolutionary lineages, including a previously unreported northwestern lineage (Lineage NW), which is sister to the Central Alborz lineage (V. ebneri sensu stricto, Lineage CA). Genetic clustering and haplotype network analyses further supported the distinctiveness of these lineages, indicating limited or no gene flow between them. Molecular-clock dating suggests that the divergence between Lineage CA and Lineage NW occurred during the Late Pleistocene, likely driven by climatic oscillations that promoted ecological isolation. Based on reciprocal mitochondrial monophyly, nuclear differentiation, and geographic separation, we recognize Lineage CA and Lineage NW as two evolutionarily significant units in Iran. Recognizing and conserving this cryptic diversity is vital for preserving the evolutionary legacy of Iranian steppe vipers and for guiding effective conservation strategies under increasing environmental and anthropogenic pressures.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
10618 - Ecology
Result continuities
Project
—
Continuities
I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
Scientific Reports
ISSN
2045-2322
e-ISSN
2045-2322
Volume of the periodical
15
Issue of the periodical within the volume
1
Country of publishing house
GB - UNITED KINGDOM
Number of pages
17
Pages from-to
42148
UT code for WoS article
001626820800019
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-105023117962