The crustacean carapace: morphology, function, development, and phylogenetic history

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    Abstract

    A carapace (a shield extending from the head region and enveloping a smaller or larger part of the body) is a characteristic feature of many crustaceans. This chapter reviews functional, ontogenetic, and evolutionary aspects of the crustacean carapace. Carapace morphology in Crustacea shows much variation, which is reflected in the many functions present in the various subgroups. The influential textbook by Calman 1909 on crustacean morphology and systematics suggested that a carapace was present primitively in both Malacostraca and Crustacea. This assumption was long unchallenged, but attempts have been made to invalidate/reject Calman's carapace hypothesis. Here it is argued that the best starting point may still be to assume homology, at least within Malacostraca. Whether a carapace is homologous between major crustacean taxa is more uncertain due to a general large morphological disparity.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationFunctional morphology and diversity
    EditorsLes Watling, Martin Thiel
    Number of pages37
    PublisherOxford University Press
    Publication date8 May 2015
    Pages103-139
    Chapter4
    ISBN (Print)9780195398038
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 8 May 2015
    SeriesThe Natural History of the Crustacea

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