# Influence of River Valleys on Genetic Diversity and Species Distribution Patterns of Cyprididae (Crustacea: Ostracoda) on the Tibetan Plateau

## TL;DR

This study explores how river valleys on the Tibetan Plateau influence the genetic diversity and species distribution of Cyprididae, a group of aquatic crustaceans.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the genetic structure and evolutionary dynamics of Cyprididae influenced by river valleys on the Tibetan Plateau.

## Key findings

- Cyprididae communities were clustered into three genetic branches with nine clades, including two cryptic lineages.
- Eight out of 15 communities showed mitochondrial-nuclear discordance, suggesting hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting.
- Significant differences in species composition and genetic diversity were observed among the three river valleys.

## Abstract

River valleys are recognized as significant ecological barriers that impact gene flow between species adapted to distinct habitat types. The Tibetan Plateau, with its diverse habitats intersected by numerous river valleys, serves as a focal point for biodiversity research. Although previous studies have focused on plants and terrestrial animals, research on the genetic diversity of aquatic species influenced by river valleys in the Tibetan Plateau is limited. In this study, we utilized mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers to examine variations in species composition and biodiversity among 18 Cyprididae communities (106 individuals) on the Tibetan Plateau, separated by three distinct river valleys: the Zhajia Zangbu River, the Nujiang River, and the Yarlung Zangbo River. Our phylogenetic analysis based on COI sequences revealed that the sampled communities are clustered into three genetic branches, which correspond to nine clades including two cryptic lineages. Among the 15 communities analyzed, eight exhibited mitochondrial‐nuclear discordance, indicating complex evolutionary dynamics such as hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting. Furthermore, significant differences in species composition and genetic diversity were observed among the three river valleys, potentially influenced by altitude and other environmental factors. This study offers new insights into the genetic diversity and species distribution of Cyprididae on the Tibetan Plateau, highlighting the role of geographical isolation induced by river valleys in shaping regional endemism and contributing to a broader understanding of biogeographical barriers in aquatic species.

The Tibetan Plateau, characterized by its rich biodiversity and numerous intersecting river valleys, serves as a prime location for biodiversity research. In this study, we employed mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers to investigate variations in species composition and biodiversity among 18 populations of Cyprididae (comprising 106 individuals) across the Tibetan Plateau, specifically separated by three major river valleys: the Zhajia Zangbu River, the Nujiang River, and the Yarlung Zangbo River.