Assigned Session: FS 3.166: Alpine microclimates, biodiversity, and climate change
Tracing integrative taxonomy and historical biogeography of Geometridae moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) for unravelling evolutionary patterns in the North Western Himalaya, India: a roadmap for investigation
Abstract ID: 3.10322 | Accepted as Poster | Talk | TBA | TBA
Shabnam Kumari (1)
Virendra Prasad Uniyal (2, 3)
(1) Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, c/o Amarjeet Kaur, Scientist C, Wildlife Institute of India, 248001 Dehradun, IN
(2) Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India - 248001
(3) Graphic Era (Deemed to be) University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India - 248001
(2) Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India - 248001
(3) Graphic Era (Deemed to be) University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India - 248001
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High-altitude alpine ecosystems above the tree line are among the most extreme and ecologically significant habitats, characterized by harsh climatic conditions, ecological isolation, and a high degree of endemism. The high-altitude landscapes of the North Western Himalayan (NWH) subdivision, demarcated to the west of Sutlej River defile, are referred to formed as a result of the upliftment of the Tethys geosyncline and dry desert landscape of the Turkmenian subregion of the Palearctic region. It has many more or less parallel mountain ranges and is recognized for its distinct geological history and unique geographical location. Earlier studies have highlighted the role of in-situ speciation with the uplift of this region to high elevation, resulting in the highly endemic, mountain-autochthonous cryophilic/xerophilic life forms. This study aims to test this in-situ speciation hypothesis by studying the diversity, historical biogeography, and vicariance and dispersal patterns following the geographical isolation caused by the upliftment of these ranges. We are using Geometridae moths, which exhibit high species richness and abundances in the high-altitudinal/latitudinal habitats and are uniquely adapted to the cold and windy climatic conditions through flightlessness and shifts in adult diel activity. To document the diversity of geometrid moths, systematic field sampling-cum data collection surveys will be conducted in different protected areas and few miscellaneous sites across the length and breadth of NWH. Furthermore, lab-based molecular analysis will be integrated to resolve cryptic species groups, generate a DNA barcode reference library, and construct time-calibrated molecular phylogenies. These phylogenies will be used to study the vicariance/dispersal patterns, test the in-situ speciation hypothesis, and gain insights on the evolutionary and ecological processes shaping the diversity across these ranges. Analysis of phylogenetic diversity will help to reveal the mountain ranges or habitat types with a higher amount of evolutionary diversity and unique and endemic lineages, which will serve as valuable insights for conservation prioritization. Overall, by integrating taxonomic and molecular phylogenetic approaches, this study will enhance our understanding and generate critical baseline data for biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning.
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