Abstract: Genetic diversity of Rhodiola sachalinensis was studied at the four different altitude levels in Changbai Mountain using the method of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis and the adaptive mechanism was discussed, combined with morphology and ecological factors. The studying results indicated that the mechanism of Rh. sachalinensis adaption to the environment of tundra not only reflected on the variation of morphology but on the basis of it's genetic background.

Key words: Rhodiola sachalinensis, Adaption, Altitude level