Spatiotemporal dynamics of Chionomys nivalis from the Late Pleistocene to the present: insights from ancient DNA and dental morphology

Alfaro-Ibáñez, M.P. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Bover, P. ; Lira Garrido, J. ; Domínguez, J.C. ; García, J.T. ; Martínez-Padilla, J. ; Cuenca-Bescós, G. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: The snow vole, Chionomys nivalis, exhibits a fragmented distribution across Europe and is currently classified as a Near Threatened or Vulnerable species in several regions. In the Iberian Peninsula, this fragmented distribution is also observed in both fossil and extant populations. This study integrates paleontological and genetic data from El Mirón Cave (Cantabria, Spain), a site with an almost continuous record of C. nivalis throughout the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. Through ancient DNA analysis and a detailed study of the morphology of the first lower molar, we compare these individuals with the different subspecies and present-day populations. These analyses allowed the identification of at least four morphotypes (“lebrunii”, “abulensis”, “aquitanicus”, and “nivalis”) and, with the use of comparative genetic data from extant populations in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (Huesca, Spain), indicate affinities with two distinct modern subspecies from Central and Northeastern Spain, suggesting a complex evolutionary history. These findings highlight the role of climatic oscillations and topographic barriers in shaping the historical biogeography of C. nivalis and underscore the value of integrating paleogenetics with dental morphology in reconstructing species distribution dynamics.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2025.109672

Año: 2025

Publicado en: QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS 370 (2025), 109672
ISSN: 0277-3791

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/E18-23R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN-AEI-FEDER/PGC2018-093925-B-C33

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Paleontología (Dpto. Ciencias de la Tierra)