对具有相似地理分布、亲缘关系较近的生物分类单元间的系统地理研究能够揭示它们是否被相似的因子所限制、是否对历史环境的变迁具有相似的反应，从而为分布在一定区域的特定有机体或者分类单元内的分化提供普遍性结论。福建竹叶青蛇、白唇竹叶青蛇、原矛头蝮是广泛分布于亚洲的蝮亚科毒蛇，具有相似的地理分布范围。该项目将结合形态研究和分子系统关系重建，探讨和解决以下几方面的问题：1、澄清福建竹叶青蛇中长期存在的种下分类争议，阐明原矛头蝮和白唇竹叶青蛇是否存在种下分化；2、结合线粒体和核基因序列分别构建三物种的种内系谱关系，探讨它们的种群进化历史和遗传多样性。通过比较这三种具有相似地理分布的蝮蛇系谱关系，探讨它们是否具有相同或者相似的种群结构和进化历史，是否某些历史事件或者气候波动对它们具有相同或者相似的影响。研究结果对进一步研究蛇类特别是亚洲蛇类的分类、进化和系统地理学具有重要意义，而且还有助于物种的保护和管理。

Studying phylogeographic patterns of similarly distributed and closely related taxa can reveal whether they are limited by similar factors and responded similarly to historic environmental changes. Furthermore, such studies provide information on the generality of conclusions about how diversifications occurred within a specific taxon or in organisms within a certain region.Viridovipera stejnegeri,Cryptelytrops albolabris and Protobothrops mucrosquamatus are venomous snakes of Asian pit viper that widely distributed in Asia, and have a similar distribution. Based on a combination of morphological comparison and reconstruction of molecular phylogenetic relationships, we will explore and address the following issues. 1. intraspecific taxonomy of V. stejnegeri and whether crytic taxon is present within Protobothrops mucrosquamatus and Cryptelytrops albolabris; 2. reconstruct the intraspecific relationships of three species based on mtDNA and nDNA sequences; study the evolutionary history of the populations and genetic diversity of the three species. By comparing the phylogenetic geographical structure of three species, we conclude whether the three species have the same or similar evolutionary history of populations,whether some ancient events and climatic changing had the same influences on the three species. The results will benefit studying on systematics,evolution and biogeography of snakes occurring in Asia,and the management and conservation of snakes.