Phylogeny and Adaptive Evolution of Mollusks: Responses, Mechanisms, and Taxonomic Implications Under Environmental Changes

Mollusks, as one of the most diverse and ecologically pivotal invertebrate groups, have evolved remarkable adaptive strategies to cope with environmental fluctuations and ecological challenges. Their phylogeny and adaptive evolution span multiple dimensions, including morphological innovation, physiological plasticity, biochemical regulation, and molecular divergence. Recent shifts in global climate, habitat degradation, biological invasions, and human-driven selection have intensified selective pressures on mollusks, reshaping their diversity and evolutionary trajectories. Meanwhile, advances in morphological taxonomy and molecular techniques have provided new insights into molluscan classification revisions and phylogenetic inferences at both higher and lower taxonomic levels. This Research Topic aims to integrate cutting-edge research on molluscan phylogeny, adaptive mechanisms under environmental stress, and taxonomic updates, fostering a comprehensive understanding of their evolutionary dynamics.Mollusks exhibit extraordinary diversity and adaptive potential, yet their phylogenetic relationships and adaptive mechanisms under environmental perturbations remain incompletely resolved. Recent developments in morphological taxonomy, molecular sequencing, and multi-omics technologies have opened new avenues to address these gaps. This Research Topic aims to explore key questions: How do environmental changes shape molluscan diversity and evolutionary trajectories? What morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlie their adaptation? How can new evidence refine molluscan classification and phylogeny? By integrating interdisciplinary research, we seek to synthesize cutting-edge findings, clarify evolutionary dynamics, and lay a foundation for biodiversity conservation and resource management.This Research Topic focuses on molluscan phylogeny and adaptive evolution and encompasses the following themes: (1) responses of molluscan diversity to environmental changes and their underlying mechanisms; (2) taxonomic revisions based on morphological, molecular, or combined evidence; (3) phylogenetic inferences at high and low taxonomic levels using novel data; (4) adaptive changes associated with biological invasions, selective breeding, or environmental stress (morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular aspects);(5) evolutionary trade-offs and adaptive plasticity in mollusks. We welcome original research articles, systematic reviews, and taxonomic monographs that advance these themes. Manuscripts must adhere to the journal’s guidelines and demonstrate rigorous methodology and novel insights to enhance understanding of molluscan evolutionary biology. Topic editors: Peizhen Ma, Haiyan Wang, Jian-Wen Qiu, Yixuan Li, Ioan Sîrbu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76545/phylogeny-and-adaptive-evolution-of-mollusks-responses-mechanisms-and-taxonomic-implications-under-environmental-changes