The idea to start AplacBase began in September 2020, when Franzi Bergmeier sent an email to Carmen Cobo and I. My lab back at the University of Alabama was heading off to San Francisco to leave for a research expedition to Antarctica, and unfortunately due to COVID-19, Franzi, Carmen, and I were unable to join due to health risk and travel restrictions. As the only member of the lab stuck back in Alabama, I was excited to get an email from Franzi asking if the three of us would like to collaborate on something to present at the Molluscan Forum, as we couldn’t join the expedition. After speaking with my advisor Kevin Kocot over zoom, he suggested that we make a website where we could combine our knowledge of aplacophoran molluscs and provide a resource for others looking to identify these weird animals. I presented the idea to Carmen and Franzi, and AplacBase was born!
AplacBase is freely accessible online database which includes an up-to-date species list of Solenogastres and Caudofoveata including their known distribution ranges, a compilation of 150 years’ worth of aplacophoran literature, a photo database and keys for fast and efficient identification of animals to at least higher taxonomic levels, and resources on how to collect and preserve aplacophorans. So far the idea of AplacBase was presented at the Molluscan Forum of the Malacological Society of London and at the Marine Conference on Biodiversity. This blog will serve as a way to provide updates in the world of aplacophoran research. We will highlight expeditions, new projects, and new publications. The website is constantly updating, with new updates and information! Meghan
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August 2021
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