New insights into the origins of crustaceans of Antarctic lakes

Abstract

New evidence regarding the origins of the Crustacea of Antarctic lakes is reviewed. Palaeolimnological data indicates that the cladoceran Daphniopsis studeri has been present in Lake Reid, Larsemann Hills, for over 120 000 yr. This is the first direct evidence of a continental lacustrine refugium during the last glacial maximum. There are strong indications that the calanoid copepod Boeckella poppei maintained populations over the same period in lakes of the Amery Oasis, and the rapid post-glacial colonization by this species of newly formed lakes on the Antarctic Peninsula and Signy Island argues for a local rather than an extra-continental source. Evidence for the entry of marine-derived species into the longer term fauna of the continent is also presented. It is concluded that many of the Crustacea in Antarctic lakes are likely to have had a long association with the continent.