Patterns and Processes generating Genetic and Morphometric Diversification within Antarctic Shelf and Deep-Sea Shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea)

The Southern Ocean is suprisingly rich in species that coexist in one of the most extreme and enigmatic environments on Earth. However, processes leading to this both morphological and genetic diversity are not well understood. Although there are only a few decapod species inhabiting the waters of Antarctica, shrimps (Decapoda: Caridea) represent an important and abundant element of the Antarctic shelf and deep-sea benthos. In our study, a combined approach based on a) mtDNA/nDNA sequences, b) microsatellites, and c) morphometric studies will be used to examine and compare phylogeography, population structure and genetic/morphological variability of two shelf-inhabiting (Chorimus antarcticus, Notocrangon antarcticus) and one deep-sea shrimp (Nematocarcinus lanceopes) in detail for the first time.

The results will help us, in combination with oceanographic data and environmental gardients, to understand currently unknown processes generating diversity and radiation processes within Antarctic shelf and deep-sea taxa with pelagical larval stages in detail. Interestingly, it is the first time that populations of a deep-sea arthropod will be analysed by the means of microsatellites. In addition to extensive molecular studies of genetic variability, morphometric data and morphological characters have to be evaluated to test if a correlation of morphological and genetic characters exists. Finally, we will receive a new understanding of the genetic architecture of species in a polar ecosystem that was subjected to glaciation events of Antarctica in the past and is likely to be impacted by global climatic change in the near future.

Scientists

Dr. Michael J. Raupach
Senckenberg am Meer - Wilhemshaven

Research areas

Southern Ocean

Publications

Raupach MJ, Thatje S, Dambach J, Rehm P, Misof B, Leese F, 2010. Genetic homogeneity and circum-Antarctic distribution of two benthic shrimp species of the Southern Ocean, Chorismus antarcticus and Nematocarcinus lanceopes. Marine Biology 157, 1783-1797.

Raupach MJ, Dambach J, Leese F, 2010. Roads, highways and trails to Antarctica: case studies of Crustaceans based on molecular markers. TERRA NOSTRA - Schriften der GeoUnion Alfred-Wegener-Stiftung 2010/5, 49-50.

Homepage

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Research funding organisation

German Research Foundation

Project number: RA 1688/2-1
Planned funding period: starting in December 2008