The evolution of mesic biomes from an arachnid perspective

With more than 400 million years of evolutionary history, arachnids are an ancient animal lineage and much older than most vertebrates and insects. Many arachnid groups share common ecological patterns such as poor dispersal capacities, specific habitat preferences and high diversity at the species level. We use selected arachnid groups in our research to understand patterns of mesic biome evolution, e.g. pseudoscorpions, in biodiversity hotspots. These are regions that are extremely rich in species but also threatened with habitat destruction. We use diverse methods – from molecular phylogenetics to ecological niche modelling – to understand the evolution a of these groups and investigate their diversity: past and present. This will also lead to better conservation outcomes. Two current projects investigate the diversity of pseudoscorpions in south-western Australia and Madagascar.