The evolutionary "password" of goose palms was deciphered

On December 18, Nature-Plants published online the latest research results of a team of professors at Nanjing Forestry University, proving once again the theory in biology textbooks about the "ancient identity" of magnolia plants, which are represented by goose palms, did form before the single and twin leaf plants differentiated. For the first time, the study completed the genome assembly of the magnolia species Chinese goose palms, analyzed the systematic evolution of the muses at the whole genome level, and determined the evolutionary position of magnolias in the muses.
magnolia plant is an early evolution in the core of the plant, and its genomic information is very important to understand the evolution of the muses. However, there has long been much debate in the academic circles about the evolutionary relationship between magnolia plants, gem leaf plants and single leaf plants.
the first genome-wide study, the team revealed from the molecular level that magnolia plants represented by goose palms were formed before the single and twin leaf plants differentiated. This provides new and important evidence for plant evolution.
researchers also studied the genome-wide level of the population evolution, in-plant diversity, and genetic differentiation patterns of Chinese goose palms and North American goose palms that are intermittently distributed between East and East North America. The results showed that the geese palms distributed in China had higher genetic diversity than those distributed in North America.
Through a retrospective study of the evolutionary dynamics of historical populations, the researchers found that the complex topographical features of the high mountains and mountains in China, where east and west are headed, may have provided a more favorable sanctuary habitat for geese palms distributed in China during the Fourth Age glacial period, preserving higher genetic diversity. The research results provide an important basis for the protection, utilization, development and breeding of wild species resources of geese palms in China. (Source: Li Chen, China Science Journal)