Crustaceans

Crustaceans are a diverse group of arthropods, primarily aquatic, characterized by their hard, often calcified exoskeletons. They belong to the subphylum Crustacea, which includes a vast array of species, such as crabs, lobsters, shrimp, barnacles, and copepods. This exoskeleton provides protection and support, and it's periodically shed and regrown during molting. crustaceans typically possess segmented bodies, paired appendages adapted for walking, swimming, feeding, and sensory perception. Their bodies are divided into two or three sections (cephalon, thorax, and abdomen) and have compound eyes and two pairs of antennae. They play vital roles in aquatic ecosystems, serving as both prey and predators, and many are important food sources for humans and other animals.

Crustaceans meaning with examples

• The sandy beach teemed with various crustaceans, from tiny sand fleas hopping across the sand to larger crabs scuttling sideways between the rocks. Marine biologists are currently studying the impact of ocean acidification on the shells of crustaceans, hoping to understand how that might affect their hard external structure that covers their soft body.
• Seafood lovers often delight in the taste of crustaceans like Dungeness crabs, Maine lobsters, and king prawns; prepared in a multitude of ways they provide a rich taste, and texture, that's a pleasure to savor. The coastal towns near the ocean are often the places with the largest and most varied types of crustaceans.
• As part of the marine food web, crustaceans are a crucial link, being consumed by fish, seabirds, and marine mammals; their survival is essential for the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. The diversity of crustaceans found at different depths shows a wide range of adaptations to extreme pressure.
• Many crustaceans have highly specialized appendages, like the claws of crabs used for defense and food acquisition; these help to ensure that the species thrives, by increasing its ability to feed and survive. When they migrate in groups, crustaceans can impact entire ecosystems.