🦀 Are we all destined to turn into crabs?

You might be familiar with the “crab cycle” meme (there is only one step and it is crab) but there is actually a grain of scientific truth to it.

Again and again, scientists have observed crustacean species independently evolving into crabs (or at least something that looks very much like one). In fact, it happens so often that it has earned its own scientific name: carcinisation.

We don’t actually know for sure why this keeps happening, but there must be something seriously advantageous to having a crab-shaped body plan.

Having said all that, these is only observed in crustaceans so humans are unlikely to evolve into crabs any time soon 😅

What’s your favourite species of crab?
#biology #science #scicomm #animals #evolution #shorts

[MORPH]

It's cuz that shape basically has it all. Controlled ambulatory movement, sensors, defense and 2 point claws

[JUICEBOX-JOJO]

No, creatures like lobsters are evolving to crabs their bodies are long letting predators get them from behind. But a shorter body and and wide shell (crab) helps prevent that.

[Kashikoi_Magicarp]

"They've been given federal grants to find out why this keeps happening."...
*Looks nervously at Elen Musk 👀

[oihanacheritogaray]

Eh i wouldnt mind having extra legs and two claws although maybe not very great for holding my phone

[mustafagani]

That one crab looked like Mr krabs. What is the species name?