Meeting Abstract

S8-1.6  Saturday, Jan. 5  Evolution and Radiation of Shrimp-like Decapods: an Overview FRANSEN, C.H.J.M.*; DE GRAVE, S.; Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum – Natularis, Leiden, The Netherlands; Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford, United Kingdom fransen@naturalis.nnm.nl

Shrimp-like decapods (Dendrobranchiata, Stenopodidea and Caridea) are the basal lineages within decapod phylogeny. Recent morphological and molecular studies support the hypothesis of the Dendrobranchiata being the most basal clade, however the position of the Stenopodidea with regards to the Caridea and all other Pleocyemata remains unsettled. We will present an overview of the phylogenies reconstructed thus far within these three groups moving from higher to lower taxonomic levels, incorporating both morphological and molecular studies. The putative position of several fossil taxa will be evaluated. Morphological characters used in these studies as well as the molecular markers currently used will be evaluated and their phylogenetic information content or lack thereof highlighted. Finally we will indicate where the omissions and controversies are in the current phylogenies and what the challenges and directions will be for future research.