Total-evidence phylogenetic analysis resolves the evolutionary timescale of mantis shrimps (Stomatopoda) and provides insights into their molecular and morphological evolutionary rates.

The crustacean order Stomatopoda comprises approximately 500 species of mantis shrimps. These marine predators, common in tropical and subtropical waters, possess sophisticated visual systems and specialized hunting appendages. In this study, we infer the evolutionary relationships within Stomatopoda using a combined data set of 77 morphological characters, whole mitochondrial genomes, and three nuclear markers.

The effects of three environmental factors on building evacuation time.

Building fires can be considered a risk to the health and safety of occupants. Environmental factors in building fires might affect the speed of an evacuation. Therefore, in this study participants ( = 153) were tested in an experimental design for the effects of (1) a fire alarm, (2) darkness and (3) the use of emergency exit signs on building evacuation time.

Redescription of Euastacus clydensis Riek, 1969 (Crustacea: Parastacidae), a valid species of spiny crayfish from southern New South Wales, Australia.

The Giant Sydney Crayfish (Euastacus spinifer (Heller, 1865)) was thought to have a wide range in New South Wales, Australia, spanning some 600 km north-south. A recent extensive molecular phylogenetic and population genomic analysis of E. spinifer across its geographical range revealed strong population structure corresponding to several major geographically correlated clades, the southernmost clade being the most genetically divergent and clearly a separate species.

Genomic analysis reveals strong population structure in the Giant Sydney Crayfish (Euastacus spinifer (Heller, 1865)).

Australia is home to over 140 species of freshwater crayfish (Decapoda: Parastacidae), representing a centre of diversity for this group in the Southern Hemisphere. Species delimitation in freshwater crayfish is difficult because many species show significant variation in colouration and morphology. This is particularly evident in the genus Euastacus, which exhibits large variations in colour and spination throughout its putative range.

Enhanced heterozygosity from male meiotic chromosome chains is superseded by hybrid female asexuality in termites.

Although males are a ubiquitous feature of animals, they have been lost repeatedly in diverse lineages. The tendency for obligate asexuality to evolve is thought to be reduced in animals whose males play a critical role beyond the contribution of gametes, for example, via care of offspring or provision of nuptial gifts. To our knowledge, the evolution of obligate asexuality in such species is unknown.