Utility of fossil cuticle morphology applied to the taphonomy and taxonomy of decapod crustaceans

<p> The purpose of the dissertation is to examine the microstructural variations within cuticle of brachyuran decapod crustaceans, the crabs and other selected decapods, in order to identify innovative character states in extant organisms and in whole or fragmentary fossil material that can be...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Waugh, David A.
Language:EN
Published: Kent State University 2014
Subjects:
Online Access:http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3618978
Description
Summary:<p> The purpose of the dissertation is to examine the microstructural variations within cuticle of brachyuran decapod crustaceans, the crabs and other selected decapods, in order to identify innovative character states in extant organisms and in whole or fragmentary fossil material that can be observed, coded, and treated in phylogenetic analyses. This is an entirely new approach to the study of decapod phylogeny that will link fossil and extant decapod datasets in a manner that previously has been impossible.</p>