The Phylogenetic Relationship Among Endangered Malagasy Astacoides Crayfish

Authors

Cynthia del Carmen Penaflor Diaz, Brigham Young University
Dr. Keith A. Crandall, Brigham Young University

Keywords

phylogenetic relationship, endangered Malagasy Astacoides, crayfish, crawfish

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Freshwater crayfishes are taxonomically distributed among three families; two Northern Hemisphere families, Astacidae and Cambaridae and one Southern Hemisphere family, Parastacidae,which includes the Astacoides species. The phylogenetic relationships among the freshwater crayfish families and their relationships to lobster-like ancestors has generated considerable debate for at least 100 years. Because of this ongoing debate, the phylogenetic position of Parastacidae is unresolved. This study represents the first step in exploring the genetic resources of the endangered Malagasy Astacoides crayfish, and is the first large-scale phylogenetic analysis of this complex group. The results of this project will provide a phylogenetic estimate of relationships among the Madagascar Astacoides species. This phylogenetic framework will provide the necessary background for assessing future plans for preserving biodiversity of the threatened crayfishes from Madagascar.

Recommended Citation

Penaflor Diaz, Cynthia del Carmen and Crandall, Dr. Keith A. (2013) "The Phylogenetic Relationship Among Endangered Malagasy Astacoides Crayfish," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1012.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1012