Prof. Zhang Peng of Sun Yat-sen University paid a visit to Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB), May 10.

On May 10, Prof. Zhang Peng of Sun Yat-sen University gave a presentation entitled "Molecular systematics of amphibian and reptile – from mtDNA to genome" for researchers and graduate students of Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB).

Prof. Zhang first introduced the characteristics of mtDNA and its application and advantages in phylogeny. Then he further exhibited his studies about the phylogenies and divergence time of major groups of living amphibian from the mitogenomic perspect, which provided a detailed profile for the origin, evolution and divergence time of amphibian. Biogeography, an interdiscipline of biology and geology, can provide evidences for the ancient geological events. Because of poor moving ability, amphibian is easily influenced by the geological events such as the uplift of mountains and desertification to result in reproductive isolation. Therefore, amphibian is a perfect model for the study of biogeography.

Prof. Zhang introduced a specific example of the phylogeny evolution and biogeography of Asiatic Salamanders (Hynobiidae), which provided compelling evidence for the uplift of Tibetan plateau. Finally, Prof. Zhang presented his study about the development of nucleus markers from the genomic level by the approach of bioinformatics and their applications in the phylogeny of turtles.

Prof. Zhang is currently a professor at the School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University. More than 10 papers with first or corresponding author have been published in the journals, including the journal PNAS, Systematic Biology, Molecular Biology & Evolution, Molecular phylogenetics and Evolution, etc.