"Global Hermit Crabs Embrace Plastic Trash as Shells"

Hermit crabs around the world are increasingly using plastic trash as shells, with a study revealing that at least 10 of 16 terrestrial hermit crab species are affected. Researchers found that plastic caps, like those on soda bottles, accounted for up to 85 percent of the artificial shells. The study suggests that factors such as sexual selection and practicality may be driving this behavior, and it remains unclear whether the plastic shells are impacting the well-being of the hermit crabs. The researchers hope to further investigate the consequences of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and the evolution of species in the Anthropocene.