Evolutionary history of interactions among terrestrial arthropods

The study of terrestrial arthopod fossils preserved with microscopic fidelity in amber and as permineralized replicas has been revolutionized by CT scanning. Fine preservation facilitates phylogenetic interpretation of fossils, but molecular divergence-time models still commonly use insufficient fossil calibrations, skewing estimates away from the direct (i.e. fossil, morphological) evidence. Interactions among terrestrial arthropods (predation, parasitoidism; phoresy, social symbionts) are briefly reviewed from the fossil record. Predation is the oldest and most widespread, originating with arachnids since probably the Silurian. The first phoretic arthropods were probably mites (Acari). Parasitoidism extends to the early Jurassic similar to 200 mya, with four main episodes proposed by [1.]. 100-myo Burmese amber, the most diverse Cretaceous paleobiota, is unique for our understanding of insect eusociality and interrelationships among terrestrial arthropods. Eusocial insect colonies are ecological sinks for thousands of symbiont species; ages of the major eusocial groups and some of their nest symbionts are discussed. Fossilized arthropod interrelationships in Miocene Dominican amber are presented as visual exemplars.

Automated summary

The study of terrestrial arthopod fossils preserved in amber and as permineralized replicas has been transformed by the use of CT scanning techniques. This allows for detailed examination of the fossils, leading to improved understanding of their evolutionary relationships. However, current molecular divergence-time models still rely on inadequate fossil calibrations, resulting in estimates that may not align with the direct evidence from morphology. The article briefly reviews the interactions among terrestrial arthropods, such as predation, parasitoidism, phoresy, and social symbionts, as revealed by the fossil record. Predation is the oldest and most widespread form of interaction, dating back to the Silurian period. The article also highlights the importance of Burmese amber, which contains the most diverse Cretaceous paleobiota and provides insights into insect eusociality and the interrelationships among terrestrial arthropods. The fossilized arthropod interrelationships found in Miocene Dominican amber are presented as visual examples.