Molecular clock analyses suggest the divergence of the Kiwa lineage from its closest relatives occurred when?

During the Mesozoic Era, around 40 to 80 million years ago

Determining when the Yeti Crab lineage split from its shallow-water crustacean relatives is achieved through molecular clock analyses, which measure divergence based on genetic mutation rates. These studies provide a timeline for the evolutionary separation of *Kiwa*. The research indicates that the common ancestor shared between the Yeti Crab and its nearest relatives existed a substantial time in the past. Specifically, estimates place this significant divergence event within the Mesozoic Era. The proposed timeframe for this split is generally bracketed between 40 and 80 million years ago. This ancient separation implies that the ancestors of these crabs either evolved their adaptations for chemosynthetic life very early, or they colonized the vent niches shortly after they began forming in those regions, leading to their profound deep-sea specialization.