Genomic evidence for climatic adaptation in Fejervarya multistriata

Aim: Genetic diversity driven by natural selection contributes to population divergence in amphibians, thus facilitating local adaptation to climate change. Understanding the mechanisms of genetic adaptation is one of the important issues in evolutionary biology. This study set out to reveal drivers responsible for intraspecific divergence in Fejervarya multistriata and further investigate the potential involvement of selected genes in responding to climate challenges.Location: China.Method: To identify adaptive traits associated with climate change, we conducted genome RAD-seq of 300 F. multistriata individuals from 15 locations across a bio-geographical range with gradual climatic variation in China.Results: The results indicate a substantial genetic diversity among populations of F. multistriata and highlight specific genes and pathways that likely contribute to intraspecific divergence. The demographic history of F. multistriata can be traced back to the last interglacial period, during which elevated temperatures may have led to a significant decline in effective population size. The analysis of genome-climate association identified five candidate genes (BMP2K, NRAP, ZW10, MYH1 and PLB1) potentially involved in local climate adaptation.Main Conclusions: Our findings have shed light on the genetic mechanisms of local adaptation to climate change in F. multistriata, thereby aiding in determining the possible fate of populations under future climate change.