Hongbo Liang , Jia Xuan

Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 5   
Received: 07 Sep., 2024    Accepted: 15 Oct., 2024    Published: 24 Oct., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This study explores the phenotypic and evolutionary adaptations of reptiles to climate change, emphasizing their ability to adjust through diverse short-term and long-term mechanisms. Phenotypic plasticity plays a crucial role in enabling reptiles to respond rapidly to temperature fluctuations and environmental shifts, as evidenced by changes in morphology, behavior, and reproductive cycles. Long-term evolutionary adaptations, driven by genetic variation and natural selection, further support reptiles in navigating climate challenges over extended periods. Specific genes under positive selection have been identified, contributing to critical physiological and morphological traits that enhance survival and reproductive success in changing environments. A case study of the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) provides unique insights into how reptiles adapt to warming temperatures, and underscores the importance of both phenotypic plasticity and genetic diversity in sustaining population resilience. The findings underscore the role of reptiles in ecosystem stability, suggesting adaptive conservation policies to safeguard biodiversity under future climate scenarios.

Phenotypic Plasticity; Evolutionary Adaptation; Climate Change; Reptile Conservation; Lacerta agilis