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Embryonic Origin And Genetic Basis Of Cave Associated Phenotypes In The Isopod Crustacean Asellus Aquaticus., Hafasa Mojaddidi, Franco E Fernandez, Priscilla A Erickson, Meredith E. Protas

Meredith Protas

Characteristics common to animals living in subterranean environments include the reduction or absence of eyes, lessened pigmentation and enhanced sensory systems. How these characteristics have evolved is poorly understood for the majority of cave dwelling species. In order to understand the evolution of these changes, this study uses an invertebrate model system, the freshwater isopod crustacean, Asellus aquaticus, to examine whether adult differences between cave and surface dwelling individuals first appear during embryonic development. We hypothesized that antennal elaboration, as well as eye reduction and pigment loss, would be apparent during embryonic development. We found that differences in pigmentation, eye …