Evolutionary History/Common Ancestors
The thinstripe hermit crab is one of 1100 species of hermit crabs. It is actually believed that hermit crabs are one of the oldest ancestors in the crustacean family and that crustaceans like the king crab have evolved from it. In terms of the thinstripe hermit crab becoming it's own species it is most likely due to habitat isolation and natural selection. Some hermit crabs may have been separated from their origin species and as natural selection took place the hermit crabs with darker colouring survived and the others died off. As the cycle continued the thinstripe hermit crab was created.
Adaptations
BehaviouralThe Thinstripe Hermit crab, like many other hermit crabs, biggest behavioural adaptation is how it obtains its outer shell. The hermit crab have soft, exposed, abdomens, leaving them vulnerable to predators. Therefore they look for abandoned shells on the shores of beaches in which they can climb inside and live. This gives them better protection from predators, therefore a better chance of survival. They also change shells as they grow bigger for maximum protection.
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PhysiologicalThe thinstripe hermit crab, like every other hermit crab, have developed modified gills that allow them to live on land. They use the humidity in the air and they water collected in their shells to lubricate their gills. They also have the ability to regenerate damaged or missing body parts because they molt.
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StructuralThinstripe hermit crabs Cheliped (claws) are two different sizes. One is smaller and is commonly called the feeding claw, and the larger one is commonly called the defence claw. They are advantageous to the hermit crab for both defensive and offensive purposes. The hermit crab also has antennae on the top of its head which allow it to feel around. Another physical adaptation that the thinstripe hermit crab has is Satae. These are tiny sensory hairs that cover the entire outside of the hermit crab to provide extra sensory.
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