Tectonic plate movements and the evolution of Jasus and Panulirus spiny lobsters (Palinuridae)

Abstract

Jasus is at least as old as early Miocene (20 Ma). Genetic differentiation between J. verreauxi in Australia and New Zealand indicates larval isolation across the northern Tasman Sea following a northward retreat of a strong south-flowing warm current. After South Africa and Australia separated from Antarctica, stocks of the temperate J. lalandii subgroup of three species became genetically isolated because of reduced larval exchange by tracking of local environments. Once the full strength of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current was established, a series of subantarctic islands and seamounts provided new habitats for four species of the J. frontalis subgroup, and their larvae responded to local circulation systems. Speciation of nine species or subspecies of Indo–West Pacific Panulirus probably occurred between 9 and 3.5 Ma (late Miocene to early Pliocene) as a result of the formation of new habitats after collisions of India and Australia with the Asian plate. Major mountain chains resulted in high continental run-off, produced regular tropical monsoon systems, enhanced regional upwelling, altered oceanographic circulation patterns and restricted larval transport between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.