IMIS

Publications | Institutes | Persons | Datasets | Projects | Maps | Infrastructure
[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page
The evolutionary journey of freshwater crabs of the genus Potamon (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae)
Ghanavi, H.R.; Rahimi, P.; Tavana, M.; Rezaei Tavabe, K.; Jouladeh-Roudbar, A.; Doadrio, I. (2023). The evolutionary journey of freshwater crabs of the genus Potamon (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae). Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 180: 107690. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107690
In: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. Elsevier: Orlando, FL. ISSN 1055-7903; e-ISSN 1095-9513, more
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
Keywords
    Potamidae Ortmann, 1896 [WoRMS]; Potamon Savigny, 1816 [WoRMS]
    Fresh water
Author keywords
    historical biogeography; Potamidae; Lago Mare; Mediterranean; freshwater fauna
Authors  Top 
  • Ghanavi, H.R.
  • Rahimi, P.
  • Tavana, M.
  • Rezaei Tavabe, K.
  • Jouladeh-Roudbar, A.
  • Doadrio, I.
Abstract

    Aim

    Freshwater ecosystems host a rich biodiversity, including freshwater crabs. The family Potamidae is a diverse group of freshwater crabs with a Palearctic and Oriental distribution. Specifically, the genus Potamon is found in the Middle East, Southern Europe, and Northern Africa. Potamon species are considered true freshwater crabs due to their total independence from the marine environment, which makes them idea organisms to study historical freshwater connectivity dynamics. In this study we aim to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Potamon and discuss the historical freshwater connectivity in the Mediterranean region.

    Methods

    Here we use up to eleven genetic markers to reconstruct a robust phylogenetic tree of the group and use Bayesian methods to time-calibrate the tree. We further use historical biogeography methods implemented in a Bayesian framework to assess the ancestral distribution ranges of the group.

    Results

    In this study we generate the most complete dataset for the group, covering practically the whole distribution range of the genus. We obtained a robust phylogenetic hypothesis and evaluated the times of divergence of the group. The result of the historical biogeography shows the evolution of historical distribution ranges of species of Potamon.

    Main conclusions.

    The Mediterranean Sea is placed in a key intersection for the exchange of fauna and flora. Here we present evidence for the potential of freshwater fauna exchange, through the Mediterranean Sea after a period of desiccation and the loss of contact with the ocean. The origin of Potamon genus is found to be in Western Asia, probably Eastern Iran.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors