科学家成功解析全球雪豹遗传结构

Core Insights - The research team successfully analyzed the genetic structure of global snow leopard populations, revealing low genetic diversity and survival strategies for long-term persistence [1][2] - The study is the most comprehensive genomic research on snow leopards to date, involving collaboration with multiple institutions and experts [1] Group 1: Genetic Structure and Population Division - Global snow leopards can be divided into two major genetic lineages: northern and southern lineages, with the northern lineage primarily found in Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, and Xinjiang, China, while the southern lineage is mainly in Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Gansu [1] - A high-quality reference genome for a female snow leopard was constructed, and whole-genome resequencing was performed on 52 samples, including skins, tissues, and blood [1] Group 2: Evolutionary History and Genetic Diversity - The population history analysis indicates a decline in snow leopard numbers from approximately 700,000 years ago to 10,000 years ago, with both lineages experiencing significant population bottlenecks during the last glacial maximum [2] - Genetic assessments show that the northern lineage has lower genome heterozygosity and genetic diversity compared to the southern lineage, correlating with its evolutionary history and smaller effective population size [2] Group 3: Implications for Conservation - Despite facing risks of low genetic diversity and high inbreeding levels, historical population bottlenecks and inbreeding have purged harmful mutations, aiding in the survival and long-term persistence of the species [2] - The findings enhance the understanding of snow leopard evolutionary potential and adaptive evolution, providing a basis for developing scientific conservation strategies [2]