Phylogenetic systematics and radiation of the Brachyura with special consideration of mass extinctions at the K/T-boundary

To address questions of evolutionary transformations within the Brachyura from the mid-Jurassic to the present, as a first step the reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationships of the extant brachyuran taxa is necesarry. In addition to the enumeration and new evaluation of known characters, new character complexes have to be introduced in the phylogenetic discussion. IN particular the morphology of the cuticularized foregut includes several characters which are useful for phylogenetic purposes. With a well supported phylogenetic system of the Brachyura including the available fossil data it will be possible to answer questions concerning the influence of the K/T boundary on the species diversity of the Brachyura.