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Lost Sex pp 241–257Cite as

Parthenogenesis in Oribatid Mites (Acari, Oribatida): Evolution Without Sex

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Abstract

Oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) are an extraordinarily old and speciose group of chelicerate arthropods that probably originated in Silurian times. A high number (∼10%) of oribatid mite species reproduces via parthenogenesis, presumably by terminal fusion automixis with holokinetic chromosomes and an inverted sequence of meiotic divisions. Several of the old taxa of oribatid mites likely have radiated while being parthenogenetic. Many species of those parthenogenetic clusters are morphologically distinct – this distinctness contrasts with high genetic variance, as has been confirmed by molecular studies, e.g. for Platynothrus peltifer and species of the genus Tectocepheus. Platynothrus peltifer comprises at least seven distinct molecular lineages which are geographically separated and may be recognized as cryptic species. Stable isotope ratios (15N/14N and 13C/12C) of oribatid mite species indicate that they occupy distinct trophic niches; however, the exact nature of these niches is unknown. One of the few microhabitats colonized by specific oribatid mite species is the bark of trees. The tree-inhabiting genus Crotonia re-evolved sexual reproduction from parthenogenetic ancestors, potentially while colonizing trees. Understanding the high degree of parthenogenetic reproduction in soil living oribatid mites allows the dissection of the functional role and evolution of sexual reproduction, and the factors responsible for the long-term survival and radiation of parthenogenetic species.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abteilung für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28 E, 72076, Tübingen, Germany

    Michael Heethoff

  2. SUNY College of Environmental Science   Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, 13210, Syracuse, New York, USA

    Roy A. Norton

  3. Abteilung für Tierökologie, Institut für Zoologie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraβe 3, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany

    Stefan Scheu

  4. J.F. Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Animal Ecology, Georg August University of Goettingen, Berliner Str. 28, 37073, Goettingen, Germany

    Mark Maraun

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  1. Michael Heethoff
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  2. Roy A. Norton
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  4. Mark Maraun
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Correspondence to Michael Heethoff .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Natural Sciences, Royal Belgian Institute of, Vautierstraat 29, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium

    Isa Schön

  2. Sciences Department of Freshwater, Royal Belgian Inst. of Natural, Vautierstraat 29, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium

    Koen Martens

  3. Keygene N.V., Agro Business Park 90, Wageningen, 6708 PW, Netherlands

    Peter Dijk

Glossary

Hysterosoma:

the hind body division of Acari consisting of the opisthosoma and the metopodosoma (segments bearing the two hind legs)

Meros:

distal part of the ovary in Acari with vitellogenetic oocytes

Proterosoma:

the fore body division of Acari consisting of the gnathosoma (mouthparts) and the fore two segments with walking legs

Rhodoid:

central part of the ovary in Acari with previtellogenetic oocytes

Vitellogenesis:

process of yolk deposition and formation via nutrients being deposited in the oocyte

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Heethoff, M., Norton, R.A., Scheu, S., Maraun, M. (2009). Parthenogenesis in Oribatid Mites (Acari, Oribatida): Evolution Without Sex. In: Schön, I., Martens, K., Dijk, P. (eds) Lost Sex. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2770-2_12

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