Contribution to the study of the Trichoniscidae (Isopioda, Oniscidea). I. Definition and taxonomic position

Abstract

In this first note, we present the taxonomic position and the differential diagnosis of the family Trichoniscidae. In our opinion from the common ancestor of Oniscidea two lineages evolved: a lineage evolved toward the complete disappearance of the genital apophyses leaving only two separated male genital openings (Infraorder Tylomorpha) while the other lineage evolved toward merging the two genital apophyses up to the fusion of the ejaculatory ducts and a single genital opening (Infraorder Ligiamorpha)

Keywords

• species concept
• genealogic approach
• systems approach
• evolutionary biology
• thematic subjects
• natural sciences