To which infraorder, shared with squat lobsters, is the Yeti Crab lineage assigned?

Answer

Infraorder Galatheidea

When first encountered, the Yeti Crab presented a significant challenge to existing crustacean taxonomy due to its unique morphology, especially the lack of eyes and the prominent setae. Despite these alien characteristics, molecular studies were instrumental in placing *Kiwa* within a specific infraorder. This infraorder is known to contain more familiar deep-sea crustaceans, including the squat lobsters and porcelain crabs. Specifically, *Kiwa* was placed within the infraorder Galatheidea. Furthermore, molecular analyses solidified its relationship by positioning it as a sister group to the Chirostyloidea, a group that encompasses the squat lobsters, indicating a shared, albeit distant, evolutionary heritage within this infraorder, even though it warranted its own distinct family classification, Kiwaidae.

To which infraorder, shared with squat lobsters, is the Yeti Crab lineage assigned?

Related Questions

What specialized appendages do Yeti Crabs use for farming chemosynthetic bacteria?Which ROV was used during the expedition that initially identified Kiwa hirsuta?To which infraorder, shared with squat lobsters, is the Yeti Crab lineage assigned?What chemical emitted by hydrothermal vents fuels the chemosynthetic bacteria farmed by Kiwa?Molecular clock analyses suggest the divergence of the Kiwa lineage from its closest relatives occurred when?What genetic characteristic highlights the long-term survival vulnerability of the specialized Kiwa genus?Compared to shallower-water relatives like porcelain crabs, how is the evolutionary rate in the Kiwa lineage often suggested?Which geographic area is specified as the habitat for the Yeti Crab species Kiwa tyleri?Why must the Yeti Crab remain close to active hydrothermal vents?What distinct family designation was established for the Yeti Crab due to its unique morphology?
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