Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe Crab Body Plans (Featuring Dr. Jo Wolfe)
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Apr 3, 2025 Join Dr. Jo Wolfe, a Harvard research associate and crustacean evolution expert, as she unravels the mysteries of crab evolution. Discover why nature seems to keep reinventing crabs through the fascinating concept of carcinization. Dr. Wolfe clarifies misconceptions about true and false crabs, diving deep into their unique adaptations and evolutionary history. The conversation is filled with humor and personal anecdotes, making the complexities of evolutionary biology both engaging and entertaining!
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Listener Question about Crabs
- A listener asked why nature keeps reinventing crabs and if a new blueprint, perhaps with wings, is possible.
- This question, sparked by a meme, highlights the public's fascination with the crab body plan.
Crabby Features
- Crabs, part of the decapod crustacean group, have a distinct form with a flat, wide carapace and legs/claws as main appendages.
- Their abdomen, unlike lobsters, folds underneath their body, covering the underbelly.
True vs. False Crabs
- While all crabs have eight legs, not all are visible; some are tucked away, used for cleaning sensitive anatomy.
- There are 'true crabs' (Brachyura) with eight visible legs, and 'false crabs' (Anomura), like hermit crabs, with fewer visible legs.