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Mictaceans: Mictacea

Mictaceans And People

Mictaceans are of special interest to scientists studying the lives and evolution of crustaceans. Evolution is how organisms slowly change and adjust to their environments over millions of years.

EXTINCTION IS FOREVER

Three-fifths of the world's mictaceans live in anchialine (aeng-KEY-eh-lihn) caves. Anchialine comes from Greek meaning "near the sea." Anchialine caves are formed when sea water floods underground spaces in limestone or volcanic rock. There is no surface connection with the ocean. These sometimes incredibly old habitats are home to many unusual animal species found nowhere else. Pollution, collapse, or other disturbances in caves might cause these animals to die out forever, or become extinct.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceMollusks, Crustaceans, and Related SpeciesMictaceans: Mictacea - Physical Characteristics, Mictaceans And People, No Common Name (mictocaris Halope): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTION, CONSERVATION STATUS