Abstract: According to a great number of literature, this paper synthesized and evaluated the recent results and issues on the morphorlogical and geographical variations, intra and inter species diversity, origin and evolution of the sclcrophyllous oaks. We proposed that the morphorlogical variation of the sclerophyllous oaks was the result of the adaptive effect to the local environmental conditions, and the genetic variation had close rilations with the geographical and climatic conditions. Based on the study of alloenzymes and cpDNA in Quercus ilex, we suggested a further research on the systematic relationship, phylogeny, and origin of sclerophyllous oaks by using molecular methods, so as to discuss the related Tibet plateau elevation, the evolutionary changes betwecnsclerophyllous oaks in Tibet and Ouercus ilex around Mediterranean basin, at the same research level to the European countries.

Key words: desert steppe, Caragana intermedia, ground-dwelling arthropod, abundance, richness.