Crustacea and Arthropod Relationships (eBook)

With rich detail and vibrancy, internationally recognized experts across several fields address the evolution and phylogenetic relationships of the Arthropoda . They offer innovative ideas to reevaluate the phylogeny of major arthropod groups, discuss the evolution of arthropod eyes in a phylogenetic context, present a comprehensive overview of appendage loss and regeneration, and address the most recent molecular phylogenetic data, including nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences. They also discuss relationships between insects and crustaceans, offer diverse approaches to evaluate fossil evidence, and evaluate competing hypotheses for arthropod placement in the animal kingdom.'...contributes important new insights into the rapidly changing field of evolutionary relationship within the arthropods, revealing a process in which the traditional view of phylogenetic relationships is being reevaluated and revolutionized. ...Fred Schram, as well as the many researchers honouring him with this volume, have markedly advanced our present understanding of arthropod phylogeny, while also providing a template for testing of arthropod relationships as the field advances in years to come.'-Christoph D. Schubart, Universitt Regensburg and Carsten H. G. Mller, Institut fr Biowissenschaften, Universitt Rostock, Germany, Systematic Biology, Vol. 55'It is a highly appropriate collection of thought-provoking and innovative papers...which should do Fred Schram proud. ...for anyone who is interested in current views on arthropods and/or crustacean relationships, and who does not shy away from interpretations that deviate strongly from the general views, this is a must-have volume.' -Contributions to Zoology 'Reassuringly, perhaps, like any other multiauthored volume dealing with aspects of arthropod phylogeny, this one includes plenty that is controversial. ...This book...will serve as a marker in the development of ideas of crustacean and arthropod relationships.'-Derek E.G. Briggs, Department of Geology and Geophysics, Yale University, The Palaeontology Newsletter, Vol. 61

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Compared to other arthropods, crustaceans are characterized by an unparalleled disparity of body plans. Traditionally, the specialization of arthropod segments and appendages into distinct body regions has served as a convenient basis for higher classification; however, many relationships within the phylum Arthropoda still remain controversial.