A collaborative backbone resource for comparative studies of subterranean evolution: The World Asellidae database

• DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13882
• Publication Date: 2023-10-21T11:34:26Z
• Authors: Nathanaelle Saclier; Louis Duchemin; Lara Konecny‐Dupré; Philippe Grison; David Eme; Chloé Martin; Cécile Callou; Tristan Lefébure; Clémentine François; Colin Issartel; Julian J. Lewis; Fabio Stoch; Boris Sket; Sanja Gottstein; Teo Delić; Maja Zagmajster; Michal Grabowski; Dieter Weber; Ana Sofia P. S. R...; Dmitry Palatov; Kaloust Paragamian; Lee R. F. D. Knight; Georges Michel; Francois Lefebvre; Mohammad‐Javad Ma...; Ana I. Camacho; Begoña Gartzia De...; Amina Taleb; Nouria Belaidi; Raoul P. Tuekam Kayo; Diana Maria Paola...; Oana Teodora Mold...; Christophe J. Douady; Florian Malard
• Keywords: 570; comparative analysis; Base Sequence; [SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio]; collaborative database; 590; subterranean biodiversity; DNA; 15. Life on land; phylogeny; molecular resources; collaborative database; comparative analysis; molecular resources; phenotypic evolution; phylogeny; subterranean biodiversity; phenotypic evolution; Animals; Phylogeny; Ecosystem; Isopoda

Abstract Transition to novel environments, such as groundwater colonization by surface organisms, provides an excellent research ground study phenotypic evolution. However, interspecific comparative studies on evolution life are few because of the challenge in assembling large ecological and molecular resources for species‐rich taxa comprised subterranean species. Here, we make available scientific community operational set working tools Asellidae, a family freshwater isopods containing hundreds First, release World Asellidae database (WAD) its web application, sustainable FAIR solution producing sharing data biological material. WAD access thousands species occurrences, specimens, DNA extracts sequences with rich metadata ensuring full traceability. Second, perform large‐scale dated phylogenetic reconstruction support analyses. Of 424 terminal branches, identify 34 pairs representing independent replicates transition from water groundwater. Third, exemplify usefulness documenting shifts associated habitats. We provide first phylogenetically controlled evidence that body size males decreases relative females upon colonization, suggesting competition rare receptive selects smaller, more agile By making these widely accessible, open up new opportunities exploring how traits evolve response changes selective pressures trade‐offs during colonization.