Crab Tree of Life: Exploring the Marvels of Crab Diversity
Ancient crustaceans have always intrigued scientists, and a recent discovery has shed light on the evolution of crabs. Researchers have unearthed a peculiar fossil known as the “Forbidden Dorito,” which has provided valuable insights into the crab family tree.
Dr. Javier Luque, a senior research associate at the University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology in the United Kingdom, explains that this fossil from Spain’s Eocene epoch (~37–34 million years ago) belongs to a previously perplexing group in the crab family tree.
“This finding is like adding a missing piece to a complex puzzle. Together with other recent discoveries, such as beautifully preserved prehistoric creatures and ancient crabs trapped in amber, we are gaining new insights into the origins and evolutionary processes that have shaped various groups over millions of years,” says Luque.
In a recent study titled The oldest dairoidid crab (Decapoda, Brachyura, Parthenopoidea) from the Eocene of Spain, Luque, along with Fernando A. Ferratges from the Universidad de Zaragoza in Spain and other collaborators, have detailed the earliest recorded fossil crabs of the subfamily Dairoidinae, revealing a much earlier origin for this group compared to previous estimations.
“The Earth’s rich geological history is engraved in its rock layers and fossils. It is our responsibility to unravel the mysteries hidden within these pages, to decipher their fascinating stories,” says Luque. He is dedicated to understanding the emergence and transformation of new forms and functions over time, with a particular focus on tropical ecosystems.
Javier Luque holding a yeti crab at the National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France, in … [+]
From Urban Jungle to Ancient Discoveries
Luque, who hails from the bustling capital city of Bogota in Colombia, developed a deep connection with nature thanks to his parents, who exposed him to the wonders of the outdoors.
“During our hiking and camping trips to the mountains, I would always keep an eye out for interesting rocks, minerals, or even bones on the ground,” he recalls. “When I found my first fossil, an ammonite, I was captivated. That moment solidified my childhood dream of becoming a paleontologist.”
Luque pursued his passion by obtaining an undergraduate degree in Geology from the Universidad Nacional in Colombia, followed by a Master’s degree from the Université de Montréal in Canada and a Ph.D. in Evolution from the University of Alberta, also in Canada.
“As a non-native Spanish-speaking Latino with ADHD, my journey hasn’t been easy. But I feel grateful for how far I’ve come in fulfilling my childhood dream of being a paleontologist,” he shares. Luque takes pride in his expertise as one of the few scholars specializing in fossil crustaceans from Latin America and beyond. His research has contributed to bridging knowledge gaps in the evolution of various groups, thanks to his study of fossil-rich locations in tropical regions and the integration of biological, geological, and paleontological data.
Javier Luque (University of Cambridge) excavating fossils in the Tatacoa Desert in January … [+]
Unveiling the Secrets of Ancient Mammals
Another Colombian scientist, Catalina Suarez, is unraveling the past through the study of ancient mammals. As a geologist and paleontologist, she explores fossils to gain insights into how climate change influences the diversification and extinction rates among mammalian species.
Her research primarily focuses on La Venta, a fossil-rich region located in the southern part of Colombia. This area, renowned for its abundance of Metatherians fossils, provides essential clues about these ancient mammalian creatures that have existed since the Cretaceous period, which saw the extinction of dinosaurs.
La Venta offers an invaluable glimpse into the Neogene period, which spans from 23 million years ago to 2.58 million years ago.
“Our study represents the most comprehensive research on this fossil assemblage and significantly contributes to the understanding of metatherian fossil records not only in Colombia but also across northern South America,” Suarez explains.
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