Perfect Pets and Delicious Delicacies: Resolving the Phylogenetic Relationships within Anomura (Decapoda)

Authors

Maren Ettinger, Brigham Young University
Dr. Keith Crandall, Brigham Young University

Keywords

pets, delicacies, phylogenetic relationships, anomura, decapoda

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

The purpose of phylogenetics is to understand how organisms are related and how they have evolved. My project focused on understanding the relationships within the Anomura infraorder of the Decapoda. Anomurans encompass a variety of economically important and morphologically diverse crustaceans. They include hermit crabs, mole crabs, king crabs, squat lobsters, porcelain crabs, hairy crabs, and yeti crabs. The anomurans are economically important, especially the king and hermit crabs. King crabs provide monetary revenue in fisheries and are a popular menu item at seafood restaurants. Hermit crabs are commonly found in aquaria trade. Other anomurans are kept as pets or used in restaurant delicacies; all anomurans are vital to their individual habitats and ecosystems.

Recommended Citation

Ettinger, Maren and Crandall, Dr. Keith (2014) "Perfect Pets and Delicious Delicacies: Resolving the Phylogenetic Relationships within Anomura (Decapoda)," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 735.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/735