Arthropod Resources

Evolutionary theory and arthropod evolution

Please note: this list of resources is (as of 2003) not being actively maintained. If/when this curriculum becomes actively used again at the NHMLAC, we will revise it. Until then, feel free to use this, but be aware that there may be broken links or outdated references.

Arthropod Hox Genes [Print]: Grenier, J. K., T. L. Garber, R. Warren, P. M. Whitington, S. Carroll. 1997. Evolution of the entire arthropod HOX gene set predated the origin and radiation of the onychophoran/arthropod clade. Current Biology 7: 547-553.
Beetles [HTML]: http://www.coleoptera.org
Distinguishing characteristics of beetles, journal and book lists; searchable databases; links to suppliers, dealers, catologs, systematists, glossaries, and much more.
The Blind Watchmaker [Print]: Dawkins, Richard. 1991. The Blind Watchmaker. Penguin Publisher, London.
A superb presentation of the power of natural selection to create order from disorder.
Interactive Morph Lab Based on Dawkins' Biomorphs [HTML]: http://alife.fusebox.com/morph_lab.html
Illustrates the power of selection on heritable traits in combination with variation to generate evolving morphology.
Oldest 'Onychophoran' [Print]: Dzik, J. and G. Krumbiegel. 1989. The oldest 'onychophoran' Xenusion: A link connecting phyla? Lethaia 22: 169-182.
Onychophorans are Modified Arthropods [Print]: Ballard, J. W. O., G. J. Olsen, D. P. Faith, W. A. Odgers, D. M. Rowell, and P. W. Atkinson. 1992. Evidence from 12S ribosomal RNA sequences that onychophorans are modified arthropods. Science 258: 1345-1348.
Darwin's Origin of Species [HTML]: http://www.literature.org/authors/darwin-charles/the-origin-of-species
Darwin, Charles. 1859. The Origin of Species. (Reprinted) Penguin Publishers, London.
The original description of Darwin's idea that the evolution of organisms over time could be accounted for through natural selection. Surprisingly readable, compared to most modern scientific writing.
Pepper Moth and Natural Selection [HTML]: http://www.arn.org/docs/wells/jw_pepmoth.htm
The pepper moth, Biston betularia, has been used as the classical example of how natural selection operates. Progress in science is made by revisiting hypotheses, designing new experiments, and collecting new data. Summarized here is a recent paper which examined the original experimental design and updates our understanding of this system.
Tree of Life: Arthropods [HTML]: http://phylogeny.arizona.edu/tree/eukaryotes/animals/arthropoda/arthropoda.html
The Tree of Life is a collection of about 2000 World Wide Web pages containing information about the diversity of life. These pages are authored by biologists from around the world.
Trilobite Systematic Relationships [HTML]: http://www.aloha.net/~smgon/triloclass.htm
Given that trilobites are Arthropods, what is their place among the known arthropod groups? Extensive information on trilobite systematics and morphology.
Wonderful World of Insects [HTML]: http://www.earthlife.net/insects/six.html
This is an enyclopedia-like website addressing a large diversity of topics about insects with pages on anatomy, classification and taxonomy, evolution, and much more..

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