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Twenty-Year Progress in Landscape Genetics of Tetrapods
Tongtong Gu1, Xing Jia1, Yuxin He2
1School of Life Sciences Yunnan Normal University Kunming China.
Ecology and Evolution
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Landscape genetics studies reveal taxonomic and geographic biases, with limited research on threatened tetrapods. Key drivers of genetic variation include habitat permeability and topography, highlighting conservation needs.
Area of Science:
- Integrates population genetics, landscape ecology, and spatial analysis.
- Focuses on understanding genetic variation drivers in tetrapods.
Background:
- Landscape genetics has advanced significantly over 20 years.
- Systematic reviews on its application to tetrapods are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess taxonomic and geographic bias in landscape genetics research.
- To identify common research questions, analytical methods, and environmental drivers.
- To evaluate the representation of threatened species in landscape genetics.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed 385 studies published between 2003 and 2025.
- Covered 434 tetrapod species across eight geographic regions.
- Analyzed taxonomic representation, geographic sampling, research questions, and analytical approaches.
Main Results:
- Anura and Passeriformes are most studied; threatened species are underrepresented.
- North America and Europe dominate geographic sampling; Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania are poorly sampled.
- Genetic connectivity and population structure are common research foci, with increasing use of genomic tools; habitat permeability, topography, and artificial landscapes are key drivers.
Conclusions:
- Urgent need for expanded research on diverse tetrapods, especially threatened species.
- Emphasizes integrating genomic and ecological data for conservation planning.
- Highlights the importance of preserving genetic connectivity in changing landscapes.
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