There is a natural process known as carcinization that results in organisms becoming more crab-like in shape. Longer bodied-crustaceans, more similar to shrimp or lobster species can become shorter and wider over time, adopting a round, crabby shape through this form of convergent evolution. Notably, this is not an isolated occurrence. Numerous crustaceans throughout evolutionary history have undergone this process; king crabs, porcelain crabs, and coconut crabs are all examples of this. The intriguing process of carcinization begs the question: why do organisms keep evolving to become more crab-like time and time again? After reviewing the evidence, the answer is clear. Crabs are the ultimate life form.
The magnum opus of body structures that is the crab comes with many advantages linked to mobility, protection, and versatility. Compared to other crustaceans, crabs are extremely mobile, largely thanks to their compact body shape which allows them to travel efficiently. Crabs are proficient climbers, burrowers, swimmers, and runners, and their many, many legs make certain crabs, such as the ghost crab, remarkably agile. Some crabs even opt for mainly arboreal and terrestrial lifestyles that are inaccessible to their more flawed relatives who are typically confined to fully aquatic environments. In addition to granting crabs access to more habitats and forms of mobility, their streamlined form makes them less susceptible to predators, as their round body means there are fewer protrusions to grab onto and blows are more easily deflected by their carapace. Even armor designs throughout human history are often rounded as if to mimic the perfection of the crab.
Pictured above: me after undergoing carcinization
One of the most important qualities that allowed humans to become the dominant species on Earth is their versatility. Humans are able to adapt to numerous environments and because of this, humans can be found almost everywhere on the planet. This same versatility is linked to the consistent evolutionary success of the crab. Throughout the history of all life on Earth evolution has made many choices, and time after time it has chosen crab.
I 100% agree. If I can't evolve into a crab, what's the point of even living? I do think it's absolutely wild that things just undergo carcinization and decide "Maybe life is better as a crab". I also love that you even picked this as your blog topic. So suiting (especially after our gov crab society). But in all seriousness, we constantly joke that cockroaches would survive the apocalypses when CRABS EXIST??? I think mankind needs to step back and really rethink if we're evolving properly :(
ReplyDeleteFirst I find it hilarious that you know this out of all the random topics in the world, but also this is actually quite interesting to learn how even though humans and crabs are so different they have both adapted and survived to the point that that are all around the world.
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