The evolution of mesic biomes from an arachnid perspective: insights from an ancient lineage of pseudoscorpions

This project investigates the evolutionary origins and history of one of the oldest terrestrial lineages, pseudoscorpions of the family Pseudotyrannochthoniidae, to understand patterns of mesic biome evolution over time at three spatial scales: global (continental drift and vicariance scenarios), continental (geological and climatic change over time) and regional (biodiversity hotspot evolution and patterning in old and climatically buffered landscapes). Current research projects under this project umbrella are: i) phylogenetic analyses for the entire family at a global scale; ii) detailed biogeographical analyses for the fauna from Madagascar and Australia), iii) a taxonomic revision of all genera including thorough morphological and molecular analyses; and iv) detailed work on fossil taxa. This project provides the framework for three current BSc projects.

Team: Dr. Danilo Harms (UHH), Dr. Mark S. Harvey (Western Australian Museum, Australia) & UHH students