Abstract
In an unprecedented way, we propose to carry out a broad, diversified and rigorous taxonomic analysis on the Brazilian biodiversity of marine, estuarine and freshwater decapod crustaceans. This initiative aims to answer important questions about the species that make up this taxon and topics considered key to the understanding of its biodiversity, such as: life cycle, biogeographic patterns, reproduction, population and biogeographic organization, taxonomic status, phylogenetic history. It is added to this idea the focus in areas (ecosystems) of relevance for the preservation of species (like mangroves, estuaries and hydrographic basins). The integration between the responses generated will provide an essential knowledge for a better understanding of the origin and structure of the decapod biota, including the patterns and processes of diversification and conservation in different areas. In order to reach these objectives with the wide universe of Brazilian carcinofauna, it is intended to carry out two types of approaches: a) in the micro sphere, using different groups of decapod crustaceans as a base model for specific approaches; B) at the macro level, use a broad and comprehensive approach with the widest possible species diversity and wide biogeographic scale. This strategy, already tried with proven success, was built and anchored in groups of crustacean decapods that will serve as models for four main axes of action, which integrate in the most varied aspects to answer questions that demand different areas of knowledge: 1) Taxonomy and Systematics based on morphological and molecular data; 2) Morphological and ultrastructural taxonomy; 3) Embryonic Development and Biodiversity; 4) Population conservation and monitoring. These strands cover and integrate large areas of biological sciences (zoology, ecology, morphology, cell biology, genetics). With the results obtained, it is intended to bring to the surface aspects of environmental and social relevance, such as the conservation of species and ecosystems and the quality of products that reach the consumer. This proposal, in a daring and comprehensive way, will extrapolate the geographical limits of the State of São Paulo in most of its objectives and will focus, with novelty, the approach on neotropical freshwater groups and in the life cycle of species never before studied. It is also hoped that the conditions provided will allow the development of numerous other complementary aspects related to the main project. As a result, the product should bring international repercussions, as it is an innovative initiative for the Taxa Crustacea. (AU)