Several tritylodontid taxa have been reported from the Upper Jurassic of the Wucaiwan area in the Junggar Basin of Xinjiang,northwestern China,including Yuanotherium minor.The original study described the partially pr...Several tritylodontid taxa have been reported from the Upper Jurassic of the Wucaiwan area in the Junggar Basin of Xinjiang,northwestern China,including Yuanotherium minor.The original study described the partially preserved postcanine teeth in the middle of the left upper maxilla.After detailed re-examination of the specimen and by CT scanning,3D reconstruction,and scanning electron microscopy observations,we provided a more detailed description of the osteology,neurosensory,and tooth wear pattern for all the bones preserved in this specimen and clarified some characters.Based on new information about the cusp wear pattern,the chewing movement pattern of the dentition and detailed cusp morphology,we discussed the cuspal homology of upper cheek teeth of tritylodontids and postulate a standardized method for cusp identification.We hypothesize that the unique maxilla characteristics furnish the evidence for transitional stages about the evolution of the upper jaw-palate structure in tritylodontids.展开更多
Highly evolved granite associated with pegmatite shells exhibits significant potential for rare metal mineralization;however,the mechanisms through which these pegmatite shells contribute to magmatic evolution and rar...Highly evolved granite associated with pegmatite shells exhibits significant potential for rare metal mineralization;however,the mechanisms through which these pegmatite shells contribute to magmatic evolution and rare metal enrichment remain poorly understood.The Late Jurassic Shihuiyao Nb-Ta-(Rb-Be-Li)deposit is one of the largest rare-metal deposits in the Southern Great Xing’an Range(SGXR),Northeast China.Exploratory trenches expose distinct layered zones from top to bottom:alternating microcline pegmatite and aplite layers(zone I),topaz lepidolite albite granite and lepidolite amazonite pegmatite(zone II),and muscovite albite granite(zoneⅢ).We conducted U-Pb dating of cassiterite,monazite,and Nb-Ta oxide,monazite Nd isotopes,and whole-rock and mineral geochemistry for the three zones.Multi-mineral U-Pb ages indicate that the three zones formed during the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous(147-142 Ma).Geochemical analyses of whole-rock,mica,and microcline suggest an evolutionary sequence from zone I to zoneⅢ,and finally to zone II.The Zr/Hf,Nb/Ta,Y/Ho,and K/Rb ratios combined with the rare earth element(REE)tetrad effects suggest higher degree of differentiation and fluid-melt interaction of the Shihuiyao leucogranite without a pegmatite shell compared to coeval barren granites from both Shihuiyao and the SGXR.A progressive increase in the degree of evolution is evident from the leucogranite without a pegmatite shell to the leucogranite with a discontinuous shell,and ultimately to the leucogranite with a continuous shell.The pegmatite shell acted as a geochemical barrier that facilitated the accumulation of Li and F in the underlying magma,which played a crucial role in lowering the solidus temperature of the granitic magma.This process prolonged the crystallization duration while reducing melt viscosity and density,thereby creating favorable conditions for magma differentiation and fluid-melt interaction.Rapid crystallization of the earlier water-and Be-rich melt led to the Be mineralization in the pegmatite shell.Moreover,the formation of this shell served as a barrier for Li mineralization in the underlying topaz lepidolite albite granite.This study enhances our understanding of the critical contribution of pegmatite shells to magmatic evolution and rare-metal mineralization.展开更多
Extreme heat and chronic water scarcity present formidable challenges to large desert-dwelling mammals.In addition to camels,antelopes within the Hippotraginae and Alcelaphinae subfamilies also exhibit remarkable phys...Extreme heat and chronic water scarcity present formidable challenges to large desert-dwelling mammals.In addition to camels,antelopes within the Hippotraginae and Alcelaphinae subfamilies also exhibit remarkable physiological and genetic specializations for desert survival.Among them,the critically endangered addax(Addax nasomaculatus)represents the most desert-adapted antelope species.However,the evolutionary and molecular mechanisms underlying desert adaptations remain largely unexplored.Herein,a high-quality genome assembly of the addax was generated to investigate the molecular evolution of desert adaptation in camels and desert antelopes.Comparative genomic analyses identified 136 genes harboring convergent amino acid substitutions implicated in crucial biological processes,including water reabsorption,fat metabolism,and stress response.Notably,a convergent R146S amino acid mutation in the prostaglandin EP2 receptor gene PTGER2 significantly reduced receptor activity,potentially facilitating large-mammal adaptation to arid environments.Lineage-specific innovations were also identified in desert antelopes,including previously uncharacterized conserved non-coding elements.Functional assays revealed that several of these elements exerted significant regulatory effects in vitro,suggesting potential roles in adaptive gene expression.Additionally,signals of introgression and variation in genetic load were observed,indicating their possible influence on desert adaptation.These findings provide insights into the sequential evolutionary processes that drive physiological resilience in arid environments and highlight the importance of convergent evolution in shaping adaptive traits in large terrestrial mammals.展开更多
How ecological and evolutionary factors affect small mammal diversity in arid regions remains largely unknown.Here,we combined the largest phylogeny and occurrence dataset of Gerbillinae desert rodents to explore the ...How ecological and evolutionary factors affect small mammal diversity in arid regions remains largely unknown.Here,we combined the largest phylogeny and occurrence dataset of Gerbillinae desert rodents to explore the underlying factors shaping present-day distribution patterns.In particular,we analyzed the relative contributions of ecological and evolutionary factors on their species diversity using a variety of models.Additionally,we inferred the ancestral range and possible dispersal scenarios and estimated the diversification rate of Gerbillinae.We found that Gerbillinae likely originated in the Horn of Africa in the Middle Miocene and then dispersed and diversified across arid regions in northern and southern Africa and western and central Asia,forming their current distribution pattern.Multiple ecological and evolutionary factors jointly determine the spatial pattern of Gerbillinae diversity,but evolutionary factors(evolutionary time and speciation rate)and habitat filtering were the most important in explaining the spatial variation in species richness.Our study enhances the understanding of the diversity patterns of small mammals in arid regions and highlights the importance of including evolutionary factors when interpreting the mechanisms underlying large-scale species diversity patterns.展开更多
Pygmy lorises are arboreal primates primarily found in forest environments across Southeast Asia(Nekaris 2014).Theyhave a diverse diet,including plant secretions,nectar,fruits,invertebrates,tree bark,and bird eggs.All...Pygmy lorises are arboreal primates primarily found in forest environments across Southeast Asia(Nekaris 2014).Theyhave a diverse diet,including plant secretions,nectar,fruits,invertebrates,tree bark,and bird eggs.All 9 known speciesof pygmy lorises are listed as globally endangered species(Nekaris 2014).Pygmy lorises exhibit a range of unique phenotypic characteristics rarely seen among primates.展开更多
The origin of birds from theropod dinosaurs,by any measures,is the most eye-catching evolutionary transition in the history of life,which encompasses numerous extensive morphological and biological changes.Compared to...The origin of birds from theropod dinosaurs,by any measures,is the most eye-catching evolutionary transition in the history of life,which encompasses numerous extensive morphological and biological changes.Compared to postcranium,little progress has been made regarding the evolutionary assemblage of the birds’skull,because of few detailed early records of cranial materials of stem lineages.Anchiornis is the oldest known record of the Paraves(~160 Ma),the most inclusive clade that contains all living birds but not Caudipteryx or Epidexipteryx.With hundreds of known specimens,Anchiornis constitutes an ideal taxon for investigating morphological modifications across the theropod-bird transition,but its cranial morphology remains enigmatic.Here we present in-depth description of the cranial morphology of Anchiornis based on three-dimensional reconstruction of a well-preserved specimen,including elements from the temporal and palatal regions that are poorly recognized previously.Our study shows that Anchiornis retains the plesiomorphic dinosaurian condition in having a diapsid akinetic skull.The mixture of cranial characters,shared with dromaeosaurids,troodontids,and stemward avialans,present in Anchiornis demonstrates the complex history of early avialan cranial evolution.展开更多
NWA 16080 is a representative reduced CV carbonaceous chondrite(CV_(red)),consisting mainly of chon-drules(47 vol%)and matrix(42 vol%),along with minor quantities of calcium-and aluminum-rich inclusions(CAI)and amoebo...NWA 16080 is a representative reduced CV carbonaceous chondrite(CV_(red)),consisting mainly of chon-drules(47 vol%)and matrix(42 vol%),along with minor quantities of calcium-and aluminum-rich inclusions(CAI)and amoeboid olivine aggregates(AOA)(CAI+AOA,6 vol%)and opaque minerals(5 vol%).The chondrules exhibit well-preserved outlines and can be categorized into Type Ⅰ(Fa<10)and Type Ⅱ(Fa>10).They primarily consist of magnesium-rich olivine,along with both low-Ca and high-Ca pyroxenes,and contain minor amounts of secondary plagioclase.Olivines present in chondrules display compositional zoning characterized whereas the matrix is composed of fine-grained olivine.Nickel-rich metal and nickel-poor sulfides are also present,along with trace amounts of magnetite.In contrast to standard oxidized CV chondrites(CV_(ox)),the presence of high metal,Ni-poor sulfides,and reduced magnetite in NWA 16080 indicates a more reduced parent-body environment.Shock metamorphism is classified as mild(S1),while terrestrial weathering is characterized as low(W2).Raman spectroscopy indicates a diverse spectrum of organic matter(OM)maturity:certain areas exhibit characteristics akin to other CV_(red) chondrites,whereas others reach maturity levels comparable to those observed in CV_(ox) chondrites.The Raman parameters indicate that this meteorite is classified as approximately type 3.4 to 3.5.The overlapping OM maturity with certain CV_(ox) chondrites provides a contradiction to the anticipated depth-thermal layering outlined in the onion-shell model.This suggests that the CV parent body probably experienced more intricate processes,including impacts and fluid-rock interactions,rather than merely depth-dependent heating.展开更多
The residual stress field induced by surface strengthening processes such as mechanical shot peening and other forms of plastic deformation does not generally exhibit a simple“monotonic”distribution trend.Some resea...The residual stress field induced by surface strengthening processes such as mechanical shot peening and other forms of plastic deformation does not generally exhibit a simple“monotonic”distribution trend.Some researchers have analyzed this fact from a mechanical perspective based on Hertz theory.However,the micro/nano-scale microstructural changes corresponding to the distribution of residual stress fields still appear to be lacking.In this study,we focused on a widely used material in aviation manufacturing,namely nickel-based superalloy GH4169,as our experimental material.We subjected GH4169 alloy to me-chanical strengthening treatment using a shot peening intensity of 0.25 mmA,followed by quantitative testing of micromechanical performance indicators such as microhardness and residual stress.To thoroughly investigate the relationship between micromechanical properties and microstructure changes,we utilized transmission electron microscopy(TEM)to observe and analyze shot-peened materials at different depths.Our findings revealed that the most severe microstructural distortion induced by mechanical shot peening in GH4169 alloy was likely to occur within a depth range of 25 to 75μm.This observation aligns with the actual phenomenon that the maximum microhardness and maximum residual compressive stress did not manifest on the outermost surface of the material.By presenting a detailed analysis of deformation defects such as dislocations,stacking faults,and twinning in different depths of mechan-ically strengthened layers,our study contributes to a deeper understanding and practical application of post-processing technologies based on plastic deformation.展开更多
Birch mice(family Sicistidae)are small dipodoid rodents distributed in regions surrounding the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and extending across the Palearctic.In China,members of the genus Sicista are rarely recorded,and t...Birch mice(family Sicistidae)are small dipodoid rodents distributed in regions surrounding the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and extending across the Palearctic.In China,members of the genus Sicista are rarely recorded,and their systematics remain poorly resolved.As part of the Second Xizang Plateau Expedition by the Kunming Institute of Zoology,Chinese Academy of Sciences,systematic surveys conducted in southern Xizang and the western Tianshan Mountains yielded two previously unrecognized species.Two specimens from southern Xizang were found to occupy a deeply divergent phylogenetic position within Sicistidae.Morphological assessments and molecular phylogenetic analyses of both extant and fossil Sicistidae,along with total-evidence dating and ancestral distribution reconstruction,identified these specimens as representatives of an ancient extant lineage that diverged from Sicista approximately 20.38 million years ago.This lineage is designated as a new genus,defined by the new species Breviforamen shannanensis gen.et sp.nov.Furthermore,11 specimens from the Tianshan Mountains are described as a second new species,Sicista brevicauda sp.nov.,based on diagnostic morphological and genetic features.Ancestral distribution reconstructions,combined with fossil records,indicate an early Miocene origin for Sicistidae across a broad region spanning the“Gobi”Desert to parts of North America.Climatic deterioration and increasing desertification during the mid-Miocene likely drove southward dispersal of Breviforamen gen.nov.into southern Xizang prior to the complete formation of the Yarlung Zangbo River.Overall,these findings broaden current understanding of Sicistidae diversity,elucidate the origin and dispersal patterns of the family,and highlight the presence of an ancient relict lineage in China.展开更多
A fun dame ntal question in biology is how diversity evolves and why some clades are more diverse than others.Phenotypic diversity has often been shown to result from morphological adaptation to different habitats.The...A fun dame ntal question in biology is how diversity evolves and why some clades are more diverse than others.Phenotypic diversity has often been shown to result from morphological adaptation to different habitats.The role of behavioral interactions as a driver of broadscale phenotypic diversity has received comparatively less attention.Behavioral interactions,however,are a key agent of natural selection.Antagonistic behavioral interactions with predators or with parasites can have significant fitness consequences,and hence act as strong evolutionary forces on the phe no type of species,ultimately gen erating diversity betwee n species of both victims and exploiters.Avian obligate brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other species,their hosts,and this behavioral interaction between hosts and parasites is often considered one of the best examples of coevolution in the natural world.In this review,we use the coevolution between brood parasites and their hosts to illustrate the potential of behavioral interactions to drive evolution of phenotypic diversity at different taxonomic scales.We provide a bridge between behavioral ecology and macroevolution by describing how this interaction has increased avian phenotypic diversity not only in the brood parasitic clades but also in their hosts.展开更多
The divergence and continuous evolution of plants and animals contribute to ecological diversity.Promoters and transcription factors(TFs) are key determinants of gene regulation and transcription throughoutlife.Howeve...The divergence and continuous evolution of plants and animals contribute to ecological diversity.Promoters and transcription factors(TFs) are key determinants of gene regulation and transcription throughoutlife.However,theevolutionary trajectories and relationships of promoters and TFs are still poorly understood. Here, we conducted extensive analysis of large-scale multi-omics sequences in 420 animal species and 223 plant species spanning nearly a billion years of evolutionary history. Results showed that promoter GC-contentandTFisoelectricpoints,as features/signatures that accompany long biological evolution, exhibited increasing growth in animal cells but a decreasing trend in plant cells. Furthermore, the evolutionary trajectories of promoter and TF signatures in the animal kingdom provided further evidence that Mammalia as well as Aves evolved directly from the ancestor Reptilia. The strong correlation between promoter and TF signatures indicates that promoters and TFs formed antagonistic coevolution in the animal kingdom, but mutualistic coevolution in the plant kingdom. The distinct coevolutionary patterns potentially drive the plant-animal divergence, divergent evolution and ecological diversity.展开更多
Complete understanding of the evolution behaviors of the microstructures and intermetallic compounds(IMCs)along the interface materials flow path in friction stir welding(FSW)of dissimilar Al to Mg alloys is of great ...Complete understanding of the evolution behaviors of the microstructures and intermetallic compounds(IMCs)along the interface materials flow path in friction stir welding(FSW)of dissimilar Al to Mg alloys is of great significance.In this study,conventional FSW and ultrasonic vibration enhanced FSW(UVeFSW)experiments of Al/Mg alloys were performed,and the instantaneous evolution features of the interface materials around the tool were"frozen"by using the"sudden stop"and simultaneous cooling techniques.The microstructures and IMCs formation at different locations around the exit hole were observed and characterized by scanning electron microscope,energy dispersive spectrometer and transmission elec-tron microscope.It was found that before the materials started to deposit near the back of the tool,“IMC+Mg+IMC+Al”multilayer microstructure and simple IMC layer with(β+γ)sequentially emerged on the Al/Mg interface.With the application of ultrasonic vibration,the multi-layered interface structure only appeared at the middle stage of materials flow around the pin,and ultrasonic vibration just began to play a suppression role on the growth of two sub-layers IMC at a position where the materials deposit.With assistance of ultrasonic vibration in UVeFSW,the tool drove a larger volume of Mg alloy to move toward the retreating side,and the final IMCs thickness was thinner than that in FSW.展开更多
MicroRNAs （miRNAs） are endogenous -22 nucleotide noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of complementary messenger RNAs （mRNAs）. Thousands of miRNA genes have been found in diverse species, and many of them a...MicroRNAs （miRNAs） are endogenous -22 nucleotide noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of complementary messenger RNAs （mRNAs）. Thousands of miRNA genes have been found in diverse species, and many of them are highly conserved. With the miRNA roles identified in nearly all aspects of biological processes, evidence is mounting that miRNAs could represent a new layer of regulatory network, and their regulatory effect might be much more pervasive than previously suspected. Here we focus on the posttranscriptional level gene regulation of miRNAs in animals and review how the miRNAs act to sustain and shape up the expression profiles of specific cell types; how the miRNAs integrate into the existing gene regulatory networks; and how the miRNAs influence the evolution of 3＇UTR of mammalian mRNAs.展开更多
Why humans have large brains with higher cognitive abilities is a question long asked by scientjsts.However,much remains unknown,especially the underlying genetic mechanisms.With the use of a transgenic mon key model,...Why humans have large brains with higher cognitive abilities is a question long asked by scientjsts.However,much remains unknown,especially the underlying genetic mechanisms.With the use of a transgenic mon key model,we showed that human-specific sequenee changes of a key brain development gene(Primary microcephaly 1,MCPH7)could result in detectable molecularand cognitive changes resembling human neoteny,a no table characteristic developed during human evolution.This study was published in National Science Review(Shi et al.,2019).展开更多
Three tectonic units have been recognized in the Chifeng area, Inner Mongolia, from north to south, including the Qiganmiao accretionary prism, Jiefangyingzi arc belt and Sidaozhangpeng molasse basin, which formed an ...Three tectonic units have been recognized in the Chifeng area, Inner Mongolia, from north to south, including the Qiganmiao accretionary prism, Jiefangyingzi arc belt and Sidaozhangpeng molasse basin, which formed an Andeantype active continent margin during the early to middle Paleozoic. The Qiganmiao accretionary prism is characterized by a mélange that consists of gabbro, two-mica quartz schist and basic volcanic rock blocks and heterogeneously deformed marble matrix. Two zircon U-Pb ages of 446.0±6.3 Ma and 1104±27 Ma have been acquired and been interpreted as the metamorphic and forming ages for the gabbro and two-mica quartz schist, respectively. The prism formed during the early to middle Paleozoic southward subduction of the Paleo Asian Ocean(PAO) and represents a suture between the North China craton(NCC) and Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB). The Jiefangyingzi arc belt consists of pluton complex and volcanic rocks of the Xibiehe and Badangshan Formations, and Geochronology analysis indicates that the development of it can be divided into two stages. The first stage is represented by the Xibiehe Formation volcanic rocks, which belong to the subalkaline series, enriched LREE and LILE and depleted HFSE, with negative Eu anomalies, and plot in the volcanic arc field in discrimination diagrams. These characters indicate that the Xibiehe Formation results from to the continental arc magmatic activity related to the subduction of the PAO during 400–420 Ma. Magmatism of the second stage in 380–390 Ma consists of the Badangshan Formation volcanic rocks. Geochemistry analysis reveals that rhyolite, basaltic andesite and basalt of the Badangshan Formation were developed in continental margin arc setting. Moreover, the basaltic andesite and basalt display positive Sr anomalies, and the basalt have very low Nb/La values, suggesting that fluid is involved in magma evolution and the basalts were contaminated by continental crust. The sequence of Sidaozhangpeng molasse basin is characterized by proximity, coarseness and large thickness, similar to the proximity molasses basin. According to our field investigation, geochronological and geochemical data, combined with previous research in this area, a tectonic evolutionary model for Andes-type active continental margin of the CAOB has been proposed, including a development of the subduction-free PAO before 446 Ma, a subduction of the PAO and arc-related magmatism during 446–380 Ma, and formation of a molasse basin during 380–360 Ma.展开更多
Tarim Precambrian bedrocks are well exposed in the Kuluketage and Aksu areas, where twenty four samples were taken to reveal the denudation history of the northern Tarim Craton. Apatite fission track dating and therma...Tarim Precambrian bedrocks are well exposed in the Kuluketage and Aksu areas, where twenty four samples were taken to reveal the denudation history of the northern Tarim Craton. Apatite fission track dating and thermal history modeling suggest that the northern Tarim experienced multi-stage cooling events which were assumed to be associated with the distant effects of the Cimmerian orogeny and India-Eurasia collision in the past. But the first episode of exhumation in the northern Tarim, occurring in the mid-Permian to Triassic, is here suggested to be induced by docking of the Tarim Craton and final amalgamation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The cooling event at ca. 170 Ma may be triggered by the Qiangtang-Eurasia collision. Widespread Cretaceous exhumation could be linked with docking of the Lhasa terrane in the late Jurassic. Cenozoic reheating and recooling likely occurred because of the northpropagating stress, however, this has not affected the northern Tarim much because the Tarim is characterized by rigid block-like motion.展开更多
The evolution of shale reservoirs is mainly related to two functions:mechanical compaction controlled by ground stress and chemical compaction controlled by thermal effect.Thermal simulation experiments were conducted...The evolution of shale reservoirs is mainly related to two functions:mechanical compaction controlled by ground stress and chemical compaction controlled by thermal effect.Thermal simulation experiments were conducted to simulate the chemical compaction of marine-continental transitional shale,and X-ray diffraction(XRD),CO2 adsorption,N2 adsorption and high-pressure mercury injection(MIP)were then used to characterize shale diagenesis and porosity.Moreover,simulations of mechanical compaction adhering to mathematical models were performed,and a shale compaction model was proposed considering clay content and kaolinite proportions.The advantage of this model is that the change in shale compressibility,which is caused by the transformation of clay minerals during thermal evolution,may be considered.The combination of the thermal simulation and compaction model may depict the interactions between chemical and mechanical compaction.Such interactions may then express the pore evolution of shale in actual conditions of formation.Accordingly,the obtained results demonstrated that shales having low kaolinite possess higher porosity at the same burial depth and clay mineral content,proving that other clay minerals such as illite-smectite mixed layers(I/S)and illite are conducive to the development of pores.Shales possessing a high clay mineral content have a higher porosity in shallow layers(<3500 m)and a lower porosity in deep layers(>3500 m).Both the amount and location of the increase in porosity differ at different geothermal gradients.High geothermal gradients favor the preservation of high porosity in shale at an appropriate Ro.The pore evolution of the marine-continental transitional shale is divided into five stages.Stage 2 possesses an Ro of 1.0%-1.6%and has high porosity along with a high specific surface area.Stage 3 has an Ro of 1.6%-2.0%and contains a higher porosity with a low specific surface area.Finally,Stage 4 has an Ro of 2.0%-2.9%with a low porosity and high specific surface area.展开更多
Ruminants(Ruminantia) are among the most successful herbivorous mammals, exhibiting wideranging morphological and ecological characteristics(such as headgear and multichambered stomach)and including various key livest...Ruminants(Ruminantia) are among the most successful herbivorous mammals, exhibiting wideranging morphological and ecological characteristics(such as headgear and multichambered stomach)and including various key livestock species(e. g.,cattle, buffalo, yak, sheep, and goat). Understanding their evolution is of great significance not only in scientific research but also in applications potential for human society. The rapid growth of genomic resources provides unprecedented opportunities to dissect the evolutionary histories and molecular mechanisms underlying the distinct characteristics of ruminants. Here we summarize our current understanding of the genetic, morphological, and ecological diversity of ruminants and provide prospects for future studies.展开更多
文摘Several tritylodontid taxa have been reported from the Upper Jurassic of the Wucaiwan area in the Junggar Basin of Xinjiang,northwestern China,including Yuanotherium minor.The original study described the partially preserved postcanine teeth in the middle of the left upper maxilla.After detailed re-examination of the specimen and by CT scanning,3D reconstruction,and scanning electron microscopy observations,we provided a more detailed description of the osteology,neurosensory,and tooth wear pattern for all the bones preserved in this specimen and clarified some characters.Based on new information about the cusp wear pattern,the chewing movement pattern of the dentition and detailed cusp morphology,we discussed the cuspal homology of upper cheek teeth of tritylodontids and postulate a standardized method for cusp identification.We hypothesize that the unique maxilla characteristics furnish the evidence for transitional stages about the evolution of the upper jaw-palate structure in tritylodontids.
基金supported by the Key Research Program of the Institute of Geology&Geophysics,CAS(IGGCAS-202205)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.92062216 and 42102046)+1 种基金Doctoral Students'Scientific Research and Innovation Capability Enhancement Program of Jilin Province(JJKH20250074BS)Graduate Innovation Fund of Jilin University(2024CX231).
文摘Highly evolved granite associated with pegmatite shells exhibits significant potential for rare metal mineralization;however,the mechanisms through which these pegmatite shells contribute to magmatic evolution and rare metal enrichment remain poorly understood.The Late Jurassic Shihuiyao Nb-Ta-(Rb-Be-Li)deposit is one of the largest rare-metal deposits in the Southern Great Xing’an Range(SGXR),Northeast China.Exploratory trenches expose distinct layered zones from top to bottom:alternating microcline pegmatite and aplite layers(zone I),topaz lepidolite albite granite and lepidolite amazonite pegmatite(zone II),and muscovite albite granite(zoneⅢ).We conducted U-Pb dating of cassiterite,monazite,and Nb-Ta oxide,monazite Nd isotopes,and whole-rock and mineral geochemistry for the three zones.Multi-mineral U-Pb ages indicate that the three zones formed during the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous(147-142 Ma).Geochemical analyses of whole-rock,mica,and microcline suggest an evolutionary sequence from zone I to zoneⅢ,and finally to zone II.The Zr/Hf,Nb/Ta,Y/Ho,and K/Rb ratios combined with the rare earth element(REE)tetrad effects suggest higher degree of differentiation and fluid-melt interaction of the Shihuiyao leucogranite without a pegmatite shell compared to coeval barren granites from both Shihuiyao and the SGXR.A progressive increase in the degree of evolution is evident from the leucogranite without a pegmatite shell to the leucogranite with a discontinuous shell,and ultimately to the leucogranite with a continuous shell.The pegmatite shell acted as a geochemical barrier that facilitated the accumulation of Li and F in the underlying magma,which played a crucial role in lowering the solidus temperature of the granitic magma.This process prolonged the crystallization duration while reducing melt viscosity and density,thereby creating favorable conditions for magma differentiation and fluid-melt interaction.Rapid crystallization of the earlier water-and Be-rich melt led to the Be mineralization in the pegmatite shell.Moreover,the formation of this shell served as a barrier for Li mineralization in the underlying topaz lepidolite albite granite.This study enhances our understanding of the critical contribution of pegmatite shells to magmatic evolution and rare-metal mineralization.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFF1000100)Shaanxi Program for Support of Top-notch Young ProfessionalsFundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities。
文摘Extreme heat and chronic water scarcity present formidable challenges to large desert-dwelling mammals.In addition to camels,antelopes within the Hippotraginae and Alcelaphinae subfamilies also exhibit remarkable physiological and genetic specializations for desert survival.Among them,the critically endangered addax(Addax nasomaculatus)represents the most desert-adapted antelope species.However,the evolutionary and molecular mechanisms underlying desert adaptations remain largely unexplored.Herein,a high-quality genome assembly of the addax was generated to investigate the molecular evolution of desert adaptation in camels and desert antelopes.Comparative genomic analyses identified 136 genes harboring convergent amino acid substitutions implicated in crucial biological processes,including water reabsorption,fat metabolism,and stress response.Notably,a convergent R146S amino acid mutation in the prostaglandin EP2 receptor gene PTGER2 significantly reduced receptor activity,potentially facilitating large-mammal adaptation to arid environments.Lineage-specific innovations were also identified in desert antelopes,including previously uncharacterized conserved non-coding elements.Functional assays revealed that several of these elements exerted significant regulatory effects in vitro,suggesting potential roles in adaptive gene expression.Additionally,signals of introgression and variation in genetic load were observed,indicating their possible influence on desert adaptation.These findings provide insights into the sequential evolutionary processes that drive physiological resilience in arid environments and highlight the importance of convergent evolution in shaping adaptive traits in large terrestrial mammals.
基金supported by grants from the Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition Program(Grant No.2022xjkk0205 to Lin Xia,No.2021xjkk0604 to Jilong Cheng)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170416 to Qisen Yang,31900325 to Jilong Cheng)+1 种基金the Joint Fund of National Natural Science Foundation of China(U2003203 to Lin Xia)the Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Y229YX5105 to Qisen Yang).
文摘How ecological and evolutionary factors affect small mammal diversity in arid regions remains largely unknown.Here,we combined the largest phylogeny and occurrence dataset of Gerbillinae desert rodents to explore the underlying factors shaping present-day distribution patterns.In particular,we analyzed the relative contributions of ecological and evolutionary factors on their species diversity using a variety of models.Additionally,we inferred the ancestral range and possible dispersal scenarios and estimated the diversification rate of Gerbillinae.We found that Gerbillinae likely originated in the Horn of Africa in the Middle Miocene and then dispersed and diversified across arid regions in northern and southern Africa and western and central Asia,forming their current distribution pattern.Multiple ecological and evolutionary factors jointly determine the spatial pattern of Gerbillinae diversity,but evolutionary factors(evolutionary time and speciation rate)and habitat filtering were the most important in explaining the spatial variation in species richness.Our study enhances the understanding of the diversity patterns of small mammals in arid regions and highlights the importance of including evolutionary factors when interpreting the mechanisms underlying large-scale species diversity patterns.
基金supported by the Shaanxi FundamentalScience Research Project for Chemistry&Biology(grant no.22JHQ049)Basic Research Program of Natural Sciencesof Shaanxi Province(2019JM-339).
文摘Pygmy lorises are arboreal primates primarily found in forest environments across Southeast Asia(Nekaris 2014).Theyhave a diverse diet,including plant secretions,nectar,fruits,invertebrates,tree bark,and bird eggs.All 9 known speciesof pygmy lorises are listed as globally endangered species(Nekaris 2014).Pygmy lorises exhibit a range of unique phenotypic characteristics rarely seen among primates.
文摘The origin of birds from theropod dinosaurs,by any measures,is the most eye-catching evolutionary transition in the history of life,which encompasses numerous extensive morphological and biological changes.Compared to postcranium,little progress has been made regarding the evolutionary assemblage of the birds’skull,because of few detailed early records of cranial materials of stem lineages.Anchiornis is the oldest known record of the Paraves(~160 Ma),the most inclusive clade that contains all living birds but not Caudipteryx or Epidexipteryx.With hundreds of known specimens,Anchiornis constitutes an ideal taxon for investigating morphological modifications across the theropod-bird transition,but its cranial morphology remains enigmatic.Here we present in-depth description of the cranial morphology of Anchiornis based on three-dimensional reconstruction of a well-preserved specimen,including elements from the temporal and palatal regions that are poorly recognized previously.Our study shows that Anchiornis retains the plesiomorphic dinosaurian condition in having a diapsid akinetic skull.The mixture of cranial characters,shared with dromaeosaurids,troodontids,and stemward avialans,present in Anchiornis demonstrates the complex history of early avialan cranial evolution.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.42403041)Scientific Base and Talent Special Projects of Guangxi(grant no.AD23026084)Scientific Research Foundation of Guilin University of Technology(GUTQDJJ6614023).
文摘NWA 16080 is a representative reduced CV carbonaceous chondrite(CV_(red)),consisting mainly of chon-drules(47 vol%)and matrix(42 vol%),along with minor quantities of calcium-and aluminum-rich inclusions(CAI)and amoeboid olivine aggregates(AOA)(CAI+AOA,6 vol%)and opaque minerals(5 vol%).The chondrules exhibit well-preserved outlines and can be categorized into Type Ⅰ(Fa<10)and Type Ⅱ(Fa>10).They primarily consist of magnesium-rich olivine,along with both low-Ca and high-Ca pyroxenes,and contain minor amounts of secondary plagioclase.Olivines present in chondrules display compositional zoning characterized whereas the matrix is composed of fine-grained olivine.Nickel-rich metal and nickel-poor sulfides are also present,along with trace amounts of magnetite.In contrast to standard oxidized CV chondrites(CV_(ox)),the presence of high metal,Ni-poor sulfides,and reduced magnetite in NWA 16080 indicates a more reduced parent-body environment.Shock metamorphism is classified as mild(S1),while terrestrial weathering is characterized as low(W2).Raman spectroscopy indicates a diverse spectrum of organic matter(OM)maturity:certain areas exhibit characteristics akin to other CV_(red) chondrites,whereas others reach maturity levels comparable to those observed in CV_(ox) chondrites.The Raman parameters indicate that this meteorite is classified as approximately type 3.4 to 3.5.The overlapping OM maturity with certain CV_(ox) chondrites provides a contradiction to the anticipated depth-thermal layering outlined in the onion-shell model.This suggests that the CV parent body probably experienced more intricate processes,including impacts and fluid-rock interactions,rather than merely depth-dependent heating.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Nos.2023YFE0106500,GLAM)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52171073,52075298,51801031)the National Science and Technology Major Projects(Nos.Y2022-VII-0007-0049,J2019-VII-0015-0155,P2023-B-IV-002-001,J2019-IV-0009-0077).
文摘The residual stress field induced by surface strengthening processes such as mechanical shot peening and other forms of plastic deformation does not generally exhibit a simple“monotonic”distribution trend.Some researchers have analyzed this fact from a mechanical perspective based on Hertz theory.However,the micro/nano-scale microstructural changes corresponding to the distribution of residual stress fields still appear to be lacking.In this study,we focused on a widely used material in aviation manufacturing,namely nickel-based superalloy GH4169,as our experimental material.We subjected GH4169 alloy to me-chanical strengthening treatment using a shot peening intensity of 0.25 mmA,followed by quantitative testing of micromechanical performance indicators such as microhardness and residual stress.To thoroughly investigate the relationship between micromechanical properties and microstructure changes,we utilized transmission electron microscopy(TEM)to observe and analyze shot-peened materials at different depths.Our findings revealed that the most severe microstructural distortion induced by mechanical shot peening in GH4169 alloy was likely to occur within a depth range of 25 to 75μm.This observation aligns with the actual phenomenon that the maximum microhardness and maximum residual compressive stress did not manifest on the outermost surface of the material.By presenting a detailed analysis of deformation defects such as dislocations,stacking faults,and twinning in different depths of mechan-ically strengthened layers,our study contributes to a deeper understanding and practical application of post-processing technologies based on plastic deformation.
基金supported by the Second Qinghai-Xizang Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(2024QZKK0200,2019QZKK05010100)Survey of Wildlife Resources in Key Areas of Xizang(ZL202203601,ZL202303601)。
文摘Birch mice(family Sicistidae)are small dipodoid rodents distributed in regions surrounding the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and extending across the Palearctic.In China,members of the genus Sicista are rarely recorded,and their systematics remain poorly resolved.As part of the Second Xizang Plateau Expedition by the Kunming Institute of Zoology,Chinese Academy of Sciences,systematic surveys conducted in southern Xizang and the western Tianshan Mountains yielded two previously unrecognized species.Two specimens from southern Xizang were found to occupy a deeply divergent phylogenetic position within Sicistidae.Morphological assessments and molecular phylogenetic analyses of both extant and fossil Sicistidae,along with total-evidence dating and ancestral distribution reconstruction,identified these specimens as representatives of an ancient extant lineage that diverged from Sicista approximately 20.38 million years ago.This lineage is designated as a new genus,defined by the new species Breviforamen shannanensis gen.et sp.nov.Furthermore,11 specimens from the Tianshan Mountains are described as a second new species,Sicista brevicauda sp.nov.,based on diagnostic morphological and genetic features.Ancestral distribution reconstructions,combined with fossil records,indicate an early Miocene origin for Sicistidae across a broad region spanning the“Gobi”Desert to parts of North America.Climatic deterioration and increasing desertification during the mid-Miocene likely drove southward dispersal of Breviforamen gen.nov.into southern Xizang prior to the complete formation of the Yarlung Zangbo River.Overall,these findings broaden current understanding of Sicistidae diversity,elucidate the origin and dispersal patterns of the family,and highlight the presence of an ancient relict lineage in China.
基金McKenzie Fellowship from University of Melbourne.N.E.L.the Australian Research Council grant DPI80100021a Wolfson Merit Award from the Royal Society.
文摘A fun dame ntal question in biology is how diversity evolves and why some clades are more diverse than others.Phenotypic diversity has often been shown to result from morphological adaptation to different habitats.The role of behavioral interactions as a driver of broadscale phenotypic diversity has received comparatively less attention.Behavioral interactions,however,are a key agent of natural selection.Antagonistic behavioral interactions with predators or with parasites can have significant fitness consequences,and hence act as strong evolutionary forces on the phe no type of species,ultimately gen erating diversity betwee n species of both victims and exploiters.Avian obligate brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other species,their hosts,and this behavioral interaction between hosts and parasites is often considered one of the best examples of coevolution in the natural world.In this review,we use the coevolution between brood parasites and their hosts to illustrate the potential of behavioral interactions to drive evolution of phenotypic diversity at different taxonomic scales.We provide a bridge between behavioral ecology and macroevolution by describing how this interaction has increased avian phenotypic diversity not only in the brood parasitic clades but also in their hosts.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFA0505500 to L.N.C., 2017YFC0909502 to J.S.Z.)Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB38040400 to L.N.C., XDB13000000 to W.W.)+3 种基金National Science Foundation of China (12131020 and 31930022 to L.N.C, 61602460 to J.S.Z.)Major Key Project of PCL (PCL2021A12 to L.N.C.)Special Fund for Science and Technology Innovation Strategy of Guangdong Province(2021B0909050004 and 2021B0909060002 to L.N.C.)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(3102019JC007 to W.W.)。
文摘The divergence and continuous evolution of plants and animals contribute to ecological diversity.Promoters and transcription factors(TFs) are key determinants of gene regulation and transcription throughoutlife.However,theevolutionary trajectories and relationships of promoters and TFs are still poorly understood. Here, we conducted extensive analysis of large-scale multi-omics sequences in 420 animal species and 223 plant species spanning nearly a billion years of evolutionary history. Results showed that promoter GC-contentandTFisoelectricpoints,as features/signatures that accompany long biological evolution, exhibited increasing growth in animal cells but a decreasing trend in plant cells. Furthermore, the evolutionary trajectories of promoter and TF signatures in the animal kingdom provided further evidence that Mammalia as well as Aves evolved directly from the ancestor Reptilia. The strong correlation between promoter and TF signatures indicates that promoters and TFs formed antagonistic coevolution in the animal kingdom, but mutualistic coevolution in the plant kingdom. The distinct coevolutionary patterns potentially drive the plant-animal divergence, divergent evolution and ecological diversity.
基金This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52035005).
文摘Complete understanding of the evolution behaviors of the microstructures and intermetallic compounds(IMCs)along the interface materials flow path in friction stir welding(FSW)of dissimilar Al to Mg alloys is of great significance.In this study,conventional FSW and ultrasonic vibration enhanced FSW(UVeFSW)experiments of Al/Mg alloys were performed,and the instantaneous evolution features of the interface materials around the tool were"frozen"by using the"sudden stop"and simultaneous cooling techniques.The microstructures and IMCs formation at different locations around the exit hole were observed and characterized by scanning electron microscope,energy dispersive spectrometer and transmission elec-tron microscope.It was found that before the materials started to deposit near the back of the tool,“IMC+Mg+IMC+Al”multilayer microstructure and simple IMC layer with(β+γ)sequentially emerged on the Al/Mg interface.With the application of ultrasonic vibration,the multi-layered interface structure only appeared at the middle stage of materials flow around the pin,and ultrasonic vibration just began to play a suppression role on the growth of two sub-layers IMC at a position where the materials deposit.With assistance of ultrasonic vibration in UVeFSW,the tool drove a larger volume of Mg alloy to move toward the retreating side,and the final IMCs thickness was thinner than that in FSW.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (No. 2006CB701506 and 2007CB815705)the Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. KSCX1-YW-R-34)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30525028, 30630013 and 30871343)the Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province of China.
文摘MicroRNAs （miRNAs） are endogenous -22 nucleotide noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of complementary messenger RNAs （mRNAs）. Thousands of miRNA genes have been found in diverse species, and many of them are highly conserved. With the miRNA roles identified in nearly all aspects of biological processes, evidence is mounting that miRNAs could represent a new layer of regulatory network, and their regulatory effect might be much more pervasive than previously suspected. Here we focus on the posttranscriptional level gene regulation of miRNAs in animals and review how the miRNAs act to sustain and shape up the expression profiles of specific cell types; how the miRNAs integrate into the existing gene regulatory networks; and how the miRNAs influence the evolution of 3＇UTR of mammalian mRNAs.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB13000000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31730088)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of CAS
文摘Why humans have large brains with higher cognitive abilities is a question long asked by scientjsts.However,much remains unknown,especially the underlying genetic mechanisms.With the use of a transgenic mon key model,we showed that human-specific sequenee changes of a key brain development gene(Primary microcephaly 1,MCPH7)could result in detectable molecularand cognitive changes resembling human neoteny,a no table characteristic developed during human evolution.This study was published in National Science Review(Shi et al.,2019).
基金supported by grants from National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFC0601302)the NSF of China (41672214)Geological Survey Project of China Geological Survey (DD20189612, DD20190004).
文摘Three tectonic units have been recognized in the Chifeng area, Inner Mongolia, from north to south, including the Qiganmiao accretionary prism, Jiefangyingzi arc belt and Sidaozhangpeng molasse basin, which formed an Andeantype active continent margin during the early to middle Paleozoic. The Qiganmiao accretionary prism is characterized by a mélange that consists of gabbro, two-mica quartz schist and basic volcanic rock blocks and heterogeneously deformed marble matrix. Two zircon U-Pb ages of 446.0±6.3 Ma and 1104±27 Ma have been acquired and been interpreted as the metamorphic and forming ages for the gabbro and two-mica quartz schist, respectively. The prism formed during the early to middle Paleozoic southward subduction of the Paleo Asian Ocean(PAO) and represents a suture between the North China craton(NCC) and Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB). The Jiefangyingzi arc belt consists of pluton complex and volcanic rocks of the Xibiehe and Badangshan Formations, and Geochronology analysis indicates that the development of it can be divided into two stages. The first stage is represented by the Xibiehe Formation volcanic rocks, which belong to the subalkaline series, enriched LREE and LILE and depleted HFSE, with negative Eu anomalies, and plot in the volcanic arc field in discrimination diagrams. These characters indicate that the Xibiehe Formation results from to the continental arc magmatic activity related to the subduction of the PAO during 400–420 Ma. Magmatism of the second stage in 380–390 Ma consists of the Badangshan Formation volcanic rocks. Geochemistry analysis reveals that rhyolite, basaltic andesite and basalt of the Badangshan Formation were developed in continental margin arc setting. Moreover, the basaltic andesite and basalt display positive Sr anomalies, and the basalt have very low Nb/La values, suggesting that fluid is involved in magma evolution and the basalts were contaminated by continental crust. The sequence of Sidaozhangpeng molasse basin is characterized by proximity, coarseness and large thickness, similar to the proximity molasses basin. According to our field investigation, geochronological and geochemical data, combined with previous research in this area, a tectonic evolutionary model for Andes-type active continental margin of the CAOB has been proposed, including a development of the subduction-free PAO before 446 Ma, a subduction of the PAO and arc-related magmatism during 446–380 Ma, and formation of a molasse basin during 380–360 Ma.
基金financially supported by 973 Program(Grant No. 2014CB440801)NSFC(Grant Nos.41230207 and 41302167)+1 种基金China Postdoctoral Council(Grant Nos.20100480452,2012T50135 and International Postdoctoral Exchange Fellowship)State Key Laboratory of Earthquake Dynamics(Grant No.LED2013B03)
文摘Tarim Precambrian bedrocks are well exposed in the Kuluketage and Aksu areas, where twenty four samples were taken to reveal the denudation history of the northern Tarim Craton. Apatite fission track dating and thermal history modeling suggest that the northern Tarim experienced multi-stage cooling events which were assumed to be associated with the distant effects of the Cimmerian orogeny and India-Eurasia collision in the past. But the first episode of exhumation in the northern Tarim, occurring in the mid-Permian to Triassic, is here suggested to be induced by docking of the Tarim Craton and final amalgamation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The cooling event at ca. 170 Ma may be triggered by the Qiangtang-Eurasia collision. Widespread Cretaceous exhumation could be linked with docking of the Lhasa terrane in the late Jurassic. Cenozoic reheating and recooling likely occurred because of the northpropagating stress, however, this has not affected the northern Tarim much because the Tarim is characterized by rigid block-like motion.
文摘The evolution of shale reservoirs is mainly related to two functions:mechanical compaction controlled by ground stress and chemical compaction controlled by thermal effect.Thermal simulation experiments were conducted to simulate the chemical compaction of marine-continental transitional shale,and X-ray diffraction(XRD),CO2 adsorption,N2 adsorption and high-pressure mercury injection(MIP)were then used to characterize shale diagenesis and porosity.Moreover,simulations of mechanical compaction adhering to mathematical models were performed,and a shale compaction model was proposed considering clay content and kaolinite proportions.The advantage of this model is that the change in shale compressibility,which is caused by the transformation of clay minerals during thermal evolution,may be considered.The combination of the thermal simulation and compaction model may depict the interactions between chemical and mechanical compaction.Such interactions may then express the pore evolution of shale in actual conditions of formation.Accordingly,the obtained results demonstrated that shales having low kaolinite possess higher porosity at the same burial depth and clay mineral content,proving that other clay minerals such as illite-smectite mixed layers(I/S)and illite are conducive to the development of pores.Shales possessing a high clay mineral content have a higher porosity in shallow layers(<3500 m)and a lower porosity in deep layers(>3500 m).Both the amount and location of the increase in porosity differ at different geothermal gradients.High geothermal gradients favor the preservation of high porosity in shale at an appropriate Ro.The pore evolution of the marine-continental transitional shale is divided into five stages.Stage 2 possesses an Ro of 1.0%-1.6%and has high porosity along with a high specific surface area.Stage 3 has an Ro of 1.6%-2.0%and contains a higher porosity with a low specific surface area.Finally,Stage 4 has an Ro of 2.0%-2.9%with a low porosity and high specific surface area.
基金supported by the Talents Team Construction Fund of Northwestern Polytechnical University(NWPU)Strategic Priority Research Program of CAS(XDB13000000)to W.W.State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution,Kunming Institute of Zoology,Chinese Academy of Sciences(GREKF19-11 to L.C.)
文摘Ruminants(Ruminantia) are among the most successful herbivorous mammals, exhibiting wideranging morphological and ecological characteristics(such as headgear and multichambered stomach)and including various key livestock species(e. g.,cattle, buffalo, yak, sheep, and goat). Understanding their evolution is of great significance not only in scientific research but also in applications potential for human society. The rapid growth of genomic resources provides unprecedented opportunities to dissect the evolutionary histories and molecular mechanisms underlying the distinct characteristics of ruminants. Here we summarize our current understanding of the genetic, morphological, and ecological diversity of ruminants and provide prospects for future studies.
