Plastic Hermits

Hermit crabs worldwide are showing remarkable adaptability with the majority now utilizing human rubbish for their shells. A study by a university in Poland has revealed that 85 percent of terrestrial hermit crabs are now opting for plastic caps as shells, with the other 15 percent using glass or metal rubbish. While plastic poses risks, including entrapment and death, these findings shed light on their innovative survival strategies. Researchers suggest the hermit crabs are somehow attracted to the chemicals in plastic, that they may offer better camouflage (in a sea of plastic) and be more abundant than seashells in plastic polluted areas. All in all, an interesting, if not somewhat disturbing, example of nature adapting to human-induced changes in their habitats.

‍

FULL STORY

‍

‍