The Mystery of Carcinization

Carcinization is the evolutionary process through which various crustacean species independently develop crab-like forms. This phenomenon has occurred multiple times throughout history, totaling at least five distinct instances of carcinization. It is driven primarily by environmental pressures that favor the advantages of a crab-like body plan, such as mobility and adaptability in diverse habitats. In contrast, decarcinization, where species lose their crab-like features, has happened even more frequently, at least seven times, highlighting the fluidity of evolution.