The study of sea-land transition of intertidal species reveals convergent adaptations of mangrove crabs

Abstract

Intertidal animals are pivotal species for the study of the biological consequências of global warming. They live at the interface of marine and terrestrial systems; They may rely on different sources of oxygen (ie aerial or dissolved) and have to cope daily with abrupt and extreme heat stress. However, intertidal species are Also an exceptional topic for studies on evolutionary biology. In fact, the number of intertidal crabs, inhabiting a wide range of habitats from mangroves to rocky shores, are in between the sea-land transition, an evolutionary pathway Often associated with, and Often induced by, abrupt climatic changes, such as the ones we are witnessing. Corrosion casting techniques, coupled with Micro Computed Tomography as well as metabolic and behavioral tests revealed que some mangrove crabs have evolved well-developed lungs, Which allow Them to exploit aerial oxygen, When emerged. An ontogenetic approach Could Also show que terrestrial adaptations in species These start from the embryonic phases. This terrestrial transition have important implications in terms of adaptations to climate changes. In fact, the land-adapted species Showed to be able to extend Their thermal tolerance, Resulting the possible winners in the present transition towards a warmer climate. Moreover, some recent analyzes Showed que hot temperature Could be the evolutionary driver of sea-land transition in crabs, suggesting the climate-dependent evolution of animals and, Ultimately, the role of climatic changes in evolutionary processes and speciation.