Evolutionary diversification of coral-dwelling gall crabs (Cryptochiridae)

Gall crabs (Crustacea : Cryptochiridae) are small, coral-dwelling crabs that live in obligate association with their host corals (Scleractinia), on which they rely for food and shelter. They have been recorded from shallow and deeper waters (over 500 m), but the majority of the species live in reef corals in the photic zone. The highest number of species is recorded from the Indo-West Pacific, where coral diversity is highest. This PhD thesis deals with various aspects of their evolution and diversification; four species are described as new to science, and the host specificity, biogeography, distribution and reproductive morphology of gall crabs are studied. In addition, the close association between gall crabs and corals allowed for studies on (cryptic) speciation and possible coevolution. Results show that the observed coevolutionary events should most probably be ascribed to sequential evolution, which indicates that the phylogeny of the gall crabs has been directed by the evolution of the corals.This thesis was accomplished with financial support from the Fonds Economische Structuurversterking, with additional support from the A.M. Buitendijkfonds, L.B. Holthuisfonds, J.J. ter Pelkwijkfonds, LUF International Study Fund (Leiden University), EDIT Women in Science Grant, Schure-Beijerinck-Poppingfonds, Stichting Fonds Dr C. van Tussenbroek (N. Ongerboerfonds), Van Tienhoven Foundation for International Nature Protection, Treub-Maatschappij, and WWF-Malaysia.UBL - phd migration 201

Monophyly and phylogenetic origin of the gall crab family Cryptochiridae (Decapoda : Brachyura)

The enigmatic gall crab family Cryptochiridae has been proposed to be phylogenetically derived from within the Grapsidae (subsection Thoracotremata), based on the analysis of 16S mtDNA of one cryptochirid, Hapalocarcinus marsupialis, among a wide array of thoracotremes, including 12 species of the family Grapsidae. Here,wetest the monophyly and phylogenetic position of Cryptochiridae using the same gene, but with an extended representation of cryptochirids spanning nine species in eight of 21 genera, in addition to further thoracotreme representatives. The results show that gall crabs form a highly supported monophyletic clade within the Thoracotremata, which evolved independently of grapsid crabs. Therefore, the Cryptochiridae should not be considered as highly modified Grapsidae, but as an independent lineage of Thoracotremata, deserving its current family rank. Further molecular and morphological studies are needed to elucidate the precise placement of the cryptochirids within the Eubrachyura

The distribution and diversity of whales and dolphins (Cetacea) in the southern North Sea: 1970-2005

Between 1970 and 2005 sightings data of cetaceans in the southern North Sea were collected as part of the Marine Mammal Database of the Dutch Seabird Group. The data include incidental sightings and reports as well as results from systematic surveys and seawatching data. They are therefore difficult to correct for fluctuations in observer effort. The material was evaluated firstly to see which species occur in Dutch waters and, secondly, to see if any spatial and temporal trends in abundance can be observed. In this study the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is excluded from the analysis, except in the discussion, where the results are put into context with data about strandings and overall abundance. The status of the 17 different species that have been recorded in the southern North Sea between 1970 and 2005 was evaluated based on the frequency of occurrence of sightings (dead and alive) in the last 36 years. Two species were listed as resident (harbour porpoise and whitebeaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris)), because they were abundant in 36 and 34 years respectively. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), recorded in 23 years, was listed as a regular visitor or passage migrant. Ten species were qualified as irregular visitors (represented in 4-18 of the 36 years of study) and four as vagrants (recorded in <4 years). The frequency of sightings of cetaceans has generally increased between 1970 and 2005, but it is unclear how the increased popularity of cetaceans by the general public (i.e. more reports) has contributed to that trend. From effort-corrected data this trend seems genuine, but offshore surveys suggest more variable results

Lioconcha lamprelli spec. nov. (Bivalvia: Veneridae) from Australia

A new venerid species of the genus Lioconcha is described from the coastal waters of eastern Queensland, Australia