Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (1): add | show Print this page

one publication added to basket [380814]
Molecular phylogeny of deep-sea blind lobsters of the family Polychelidae (Decapoda: Polychelida), with implications for the origin and evolution of these “living fossils”
Chang, S.-C.; Ahyong, S.T.; Tsang, L.-M. (2024). Molecular phylogeny of deep-sea blind lobsters of the family Polychelidae (Decapoda: Polychelida), with implications for the origin and evolution of these “living fossils”. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 192: 107998. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107998
In: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. Elsevier: Orlando, FL. ISSN 1055-7903; e-ISSN 1095-9513, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keyword
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Chang, S.-C.
  • Ahyong, S.T., more
  • Tsang, L.-M.

Abstract
    A comprehensive molecular analysis of the deep-sea blind lobsters of the family Polychelidae, often referred to as “living fossils”, is conducted based on all six modern genera and 27 of the 38 extant species. Using six genetic markers from both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, the molecular phylogenetic results differ considerably from previous morphological analyses and reveal the genera Polycheles and Pentacheles to be para- or polyphyletic. As the splitting of Polycheles has strong support from both molecular and morphological data, two new genera, Dianecheles and Neopolycheles, are erected for those species excluded from the clade containing the type species of Polycheles. The pattern of polyphyly of Pentacheles, however, is not robustly resolved, so it is retained as a single genus. Fossil evidence suggests that fossil polychelids inhabited deep-sea environments as early as the Early to Middle Jurassic, demonstrating the enduring adaptation of extant polychelid species to the deep-sea. Time-calibrated phylogeny suggested that modern polychelids probably had an Atlantic origin during the Jurassic period. Since their emergence, this ancient lobster group has continued to diversify, particularly in the West Pacific, and has colonized the abyssal zone, with the deepest genus, Willemoesia, representing the more 'derived' members among extant polychelids. Differences in eye reduction among extant polychelid genera highlight the necessity for ongoing investigations to ascertain the relative degree of functionality of their eyes, if they indeed retain any function.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors