Hermit crab study shows microplastic’s affect on marine life
[ad_1]
A new study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science has found that microplastics affect the behavior of hermit crabs, a key part of the ocean ecosystem. The study, conducted by Queen’s University, highlights how microplastics impact hermit crabs’ growth and reproduction.
Continue reading below
Our Featured Videos
In a press release, researchers explained the study’s methodology, saying, “The research involved keeping hermit crabs in two tanks: one which contained polyethylene spheres (a common microplastic pollutant) and one without plastic (control) for five days. The team simulated the environment to encourage a hermit crab contest through placing pairs of hermit crabs in an arena, giving the larger crab a shell that was too small and the smaller crab a shell that was too big.”
Related: Global warming driving mass migration of marine life
Shell fights are crucial to the survival of hermit crabs. During shell fights, the crabs have to fight each other in contests over larger shells to occupy as their home. During their growth, crabs move from smaller shells and find new homes by fighting each other. According to the latest study, hermit crabs exposed to microplastics had impaired attacking and defending behavior. As a result, the researchers say that the crabs’ ability to grow and survive is weakened.
Thank you!
Keep an eye out for our weekly newsletter.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive the latest in global news and designs building a better future.
Hermit crabs are vital to the entire ocean ecosystem. As scavengers, these tiny animals help recycle energy back into the ecosystem. They feed on decomposed sea life and bacteria, helping rebalance the ecosystem.
One of the lead researchers on the paper, Manus Cunningham from Queen’s University, said, “These findings are hugely significant as they illustrate how both the information-gathering and shell evaluations were impaired when exposed to microplastics.”
According to Cunningham, there is not a significant amount of information available on how microplastics impact sea life. This is one of the first studies to show the exact threats microplastics pose for specific species.
“Although 10% of global plastic production ends up in the ocean, there is very limited research on how this can disrupt animal behaviour and cognition. This study shows how the microplastic pollution crisis is threatening biodiversity more than is currently recognised,” said Cunningham.
Via Newswise
Lead image via Pixabay
[ad_2]
Original Post
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for!
Just what I was looking for, thanks for posting.
Magnificent items from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are simply too excellent. I actually like what you’ve received right here, really like what you’re saying and the best way through which you assert it. You’re making it entertaining and you continue to take care of to keep it smart. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful website.
Thanks for another magnificent post. Where else could anybody get that type of info in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such information.
I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It’s lovely value sufficient for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made excellent content material as you did, the net shall be much more helpful than ever before. “No one has the right to destroy another person’s belief by demanding empirical evidence.” by Ann Landers.
Very interesting details you have observed, regards for putting up. “Death is Nature’s expert advice to get plenty of Life.” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
There are certainly a lot of particulars like that to take into consideration. That is a nice level to convey up. I offer the thoughts above as basic inspiration but clearly there are questions just like the one you bring up where crucial factor will be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if greatest practices have emerged round issues like that, but I am certain that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Each girls and boys feel the influence of just a second’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.
I precisely desired to thank you very much again. I’m not certain the things that I would’ve carried out without these thoughts provided by you concerning such a area. It was before an absolute alarming circumstance for me personally, nevertheless taking a look at the very well-written technique you processed the issue took me to weep over fulfillment. I’m grateful for your help and then hope that you find out what an amazing job you have been putting in teaching people today with the aid of your blog. I know that you haven’t come across all of us.
fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already!
Yay google is my king aided me to find this outstanding internet site! .
Thank you for sharing with us, I think this website truly stands out : D.
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
Some genuinely interesting information, well written and generally user genial.
Thank you for all your valuable labor on this web page. Ellie really loves working on investigations and it’s easy to understand why. A lot of people notice all about the compelling form you provide sensible things by means of this web blog and as well as cause participation from others on this matter so our own child is truly studying a great deal. Enjoy the remaining portion of the new year. You’re the one performing a dazzling job.
Thanks for some other informative site. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such an ideal manner? I have a undertaking that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been at the look out for such info.
Hi there very cool web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally…I am glad to seek out numerous useful information right here within the post, we want develop extra strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Very good written article. It will be supportive to everyone who utilizes it, as well as myself. Keep up the good work – for sure i will check out more posts.
You are my intake, I possess few blogs and occasionally run out from to post .
Hello.This post was really motivating, particularly because I was investigating for thoughts on this subject last week.
Someone essentially lend a hand to make significantly articles I might state. That is the first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this actual post extraordinary. Excellent activity!
Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you¦ve on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What a perfect web-site.
You got a very excellent website, Gladiola I noticed it through yahoo.
Good site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
Pretty component to content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to say that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I fulfillment you get admission to consistently quickly.
I have been surfing on-line greater than three hours as of late, yet I by no means found any fascinating article like yours. It is lovely worth enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the net might be a lot more helpful than ever before.
An fascinating discussion is value comment. I believe that you should write extra on this topic, it may not be a taboo subject however generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
After research a few of the weblog posts in your website now, and I actually like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website listing and will probably be checking back soon. Pls try my site as nicely and let me know what you think.
I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my website :).
What is a Sugar Defender? Sugar Shield could be an affront affectability enhancement product that effectively supports stable blood sugar levels.
What Is Puravive? Puravive is a natural weight loss supplement that is known to boost the metabolic processes of the body.
I like this internet site because so much utile stuff on here : D.
hi!,I like your writing very much! share we communicate more about your article on AOL? I require an expert on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
Woh I love your posts, saved to favorites! .
Outstanding post, you have pointed out some excellent details , I besides conceive this s a very fantastic website.
Its fantastic as your other content : D, regards for putting up. “So, rather than appear foolish afterward, I renounce seeming clever now.” by William of Baskerville.
of course like your website but you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I will certainly come back again.
I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂
Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your website is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this website. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and just couldn’t come across. What an ideal web-site.
I have been surfing on-line greater than 3 hours lately, yet I never found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It’s beautiful value sufficient for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the net shall be much more helpful than ever before.