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Carex Beyond Taxonomy: Integrating Genomic Architecture, Life History, and Ecosystem Function
Shuang Xiao1, Xueqing Liu1, Yanming Wang1
1Institute of Grassland, Flowers and Ecology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2026
Summary
This review synthesizes research on the diverse Carex genus, highlighting how genomic, life history, and ecophysiological factors drive species diversification and ecosystem functions. It also clarifies implications for habitat restoration and sustainable Carex resource use.
Area of Science:
- Botany
- Ecology
- Genomics
Background:
- Carex is a species-rich angiosperm genus with significant ecological roles globally.
- Research is complicated by phenotypic plasticity, floral reduction, hybridization, and chromosomal evolution.
- Existing knowledge on Carex is fragmented across molecular phylogenetics, genomics, reproductive biology, and ecophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current evidence on Carex taxonomy, phylogeny, evolution, and ecological roles.
- To provide a cross-scale framework integrating genomic architecture, life history, and ecophysiological adaptations.
- To clarify implications for habitat restoration and sustainable resource management.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis across multiple disciplines.
- Cross-scale framework analysis.
- Integration of genomic, life history, and ecophysiological data.
Main Results:
- Genomic architecture, life history variation, and ecophysiological adaptation jointly shape Carex species diversification.
- These factors influence ecosystem functioning and provide insights for habitat restoration.
- The review clarifies the bioresource potential of Carex.
Conclusions:
- Future research priorities include enhancing phylogenomic resolution and conducting comparative functional studies.
- Assessing climate resilience and advancing germplasm conservation are crucial.
- Sustainable use of Carex resources requires integrated approaches.
Keywords:
Carexabiotic stress adaptationbioactive compoundsecosystem functionsgenomic architectureholocentric chromosomeslife history strategiesMore Related Videos
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