Evolutionary Neuroethology – A Case Study: Origins and Evolution of Novel Forms of Locomotion in Hippid Sand Crabs (Malacostraca, Decapoda, Anomala)

摘要: Evolutionary neuroethology compares the sensory and motor mechanisms mediating behaviors in related species exhibiting divergent order to identify those features that account for behavioral differences. Specific differences can be at level of molecules, neurons, neural networks, or any combination these. These species-specific traits mapped onto a phylogenetic tree expose sequence which they appeared during evolution group. From this, are evolutionarily conservative plastic distinguished. Because direction transitions thus identified is known natural habitats different species, it may possible unravel intertwined acting genetic, developmental, selection levels. Here I summarize pedigrees neurobehavioral circuits mediate two extraordinary modes locomotion used by sand crabs (Anomala: Albuneidae, Hippidae). have been reconstructed comparing patterns, muscles, neurons members taxa. The unique swimming behavior mole (Hippidae) descended from nongiant tailflipping, one three crayfish other long-bodied crustaceans propel themselves backward. digging both families (Albuneidae Hippidae), on hand, mosaic performed separately crustaceans: walking forward, backward, (nongiant tailflipping). Extending lineage analysis back early divergences class Malacostraca provides further testimony coupling between morphology emphasizes importance studying networks their contexts. Viewing as whole suggests nested sets changes identifiable elements occur evolution. opens new avenues investigating function nervous systems would otherwise go unnoticed data test adequacy proposed vitro single research explain systems.