The ecological roles of Neohelice granulata I: modifying habitats

Abstract

Neohelice granulata a model species for studies of ocean changes.Large species monographs seem to be a thing of the past, probably because few investigators have the luxury or dedication to be able to focus long-term research efforts exclusively on one species or a group of species. This enormous monograph on Neohelice granulata proves the great value that such monographs still have in current times. While in the past, species or taxon-focused monographs were typically written by single investigators who had spent their entire career investigating their favorite organisms, this monograph on N. granulata is a group effort gathering a total of 77 authors, primarily from Argentina. This is a gigantic achievement for the editors, being able to shepherd such a diverse group of authors who united in preparing this monograph with a total of 33 chapters.The result of this effort provides an overview about one of the best-studied crustacean species of the past few decades. From reading some of the chapters it becomes evident that this is not only a collection of chapters about N. granulata, but this volume is also testimony of a long-term research commitment of the Argentinian crustacean community.Collectively, they have worked over decades to investigate all aspects of the biology and life history of this intertidal crab. This volume is testimony to a community effort in every single chapter, almost on any single page. Most of the chapters are authored by at least two authors, andmany actually by more than two authors, furthermore underscoring this collaborative effort. The editors and all their fellow authors are congratulated especially for pulling off this group achievement!The volume is divided in four sections, each with a brief introductory preface by one of the eminent scholars in the field. In the first section on life history and developmental biology, the eight chapters explore the earyl life of N. granulata, from embryonic development to larval life. Authors especially focus on the pelagic stages, settlement biology, and life cycles.The eight chapters in the section on neurobiology cover topics ranging from sensory systems to neural integration including memory and learning. In the section on anatomy and physiology the authors present information on the reproductive system, investment in growth and 2 Fore word reproduction, general metabolic strategies and respiration of this fascinating crab living at the interface between air and water. In the final nd forms of food acquisition and the complexity of mating system of N. granulata as well as their effects on habitat structure and and species interactions,.The individual chapters are all relatively concise, and they are richly illustrated, making the reading a pleasant experience. All chapters are written in a clear language making them also accessible to readers from related disciplines or people interested in the general biology and ecology of crustaceans.This book presents N. granulata as ideal model species for future studies on climate change, pollution, habitat degradation, or specie invasions. The distributional range of N. granulata is one of the areas in the world's oceans that have and will continue to experience substantial changes in seawater temperatures. Not surprisingly, N. granulata is increasingly confronted with invasive species, which either have been expanding their geographic ranges or which have been introduced by human activities, e.g. ship transport. Thus, in large parts of its natural habitat N. granulata now cohabits with one of the most aggressive invaders around the world, the shore crab Carcinus maenas. Similarly, N.granulata is exposed to industrial and coastal activities, and one of the chapters in the volume (on endocrine disruption) is examining the effects of pollution on reproductive traits and success in N. granulata. This is the only chapter on anthropogenic impacts on this marvelous little crab from the South-West Atlantic, but future studies on human impacts will be able to build on the enormous and complete knowledge provided in this volume.This volume should be an inspiration for others, who might have similarly rich and integral information on their local crab species ? I could easily envision several well-studied crabs that would merit a similarvolume.In the meantime, the scene is set for Neohelice granulata to serve as model organisms for scientists from different fields and from regions of the world. This book provides investigators with all the basic knowledge needed to thoroughly examine whether and how this common intertidal crab is adapting to the changes occurring in their natural habitats.