Project Details
Projekt
From forward to sideward, from marine to terrestrial - A morphological and kinematic study on the evolution of the locomotor system in Brachyura
Applicant
Dr. Dennis Hazerli
Subject Area
Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
Term
since 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 541615751
In this project, the evolution of the morphology of the locomotion apparatus in true crabs (Brachyura) shall be examined to explore how a forward walking locomotion system transformed into a sideward walking system in the course of evolution. It shall also be retraced if there are significant differences of this form-function complex between aquatic and terrestrial crabs and if this is the case, how it evolved. The project involves the combination of morphological with kinematic (=video recordings) data, whereby, modern software using “Deep Learning” technology (machine learning with artificial neuronal networks) shall be used to analyse kinematic data. For this purpose, the freely available software DeepLabCut is to be used. Morphological data of the locomotion system shall be gained and analysed in 3D using micro-CT. Besides musculature, the latter involve exoskeleton elements of the walking legs, but also the “inner skeleton” of the thorax. Morphological character states deduced from morphological data shall be analysed in the light of kinematic data and its adaptive value interpreted according to the respective lifestyle (aquatic – marine or limnic, semiterrestrial, terrestrial). Finally, character states of the ancestors of recent species shall be reconstructed based on available phylogenies and its evolution interpreted. Herein, the question shall be answered if the transformation of forward to sideward walking crabs involve a significant transformation of the locomotion system and if the walking apparatus of recent land crabs’ ancestors had already been preadapted to terrestriality.
DFG Programme
WBP Fellowship
International Connection
Taiwan, USA
