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    From the Vault: Crabs Eat Everything Around Me, Part 2

    enNovember 22, 2022

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring Community Connections, Innovation, and the Natural WorldConnect with local volunteer networks for social bonds and preparedness. AI will shape the future. Discover the Kakadu plum's high vitamin C benefits. Mythology offers intriguing crab stories.

      No matter how uncertain the world may feel or how disconnected communities may seem, there are opportunities to build meaningful social bonds and prepare for challenges through local volunteer networks like Neighbor to Neighbor. Meanwhile, in the realm of innovation, artificial intelligence is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future. The Kakadu plum, an Australian native superfood, is a lesser-known source of high vitamin C content. In mythology, crabs may not always have central roles but can still leave intriguing stories, such as Hercules' battle against a crab sent by Hera. Overall, these discussions highlight the importance of community connections, innovation, and the wonders of the natural world.

    • Actions have unexpected consequencesEven small acts of kindness can lead to profound results, and unexpected twists may follow

      In a traditional Japanese Yokai tale, a father's decision to save a frog's life comes with a surprising consequence: a snake demanding his daughter in marriage. However, the young girl's earlier act of kindness towards a crab saves her when the snake arrives in its serpentine form, and she ends up marrying a swarm of crabs instead. This tale highlights the idea that actions have consequences, and even seemingly insignificant acts of kindness can have profound effects. It also showcases the unexpected twists and turns common in Yokai folklore. While the meaning behind the frog and snake's connection remains unclear, the tale's outcome emphasizes the importance of kindness and the power of friendship.

    • Merlin and Mimm's Animal TransformationsMerlin's snake form and Mimm's crab form in Disney's 'The Sword in the Stone' symbolize the human tendency to associate length with cutting or snapping. Real-life crabs' successful body designs inspire this imagery, with their evolution independently multiple times.

      There are various stories from different cultures about magical beings engaging in battles or competitions, transforming into different animal forms. One such story is from Disney's "The Sword in the Stone" featuring Merlin and the witch Mimm, where they transform into animals, with Merlin turning into a snake and Mimm into a crab. This competition is based on the natural tendency of humans to think of longer things as something to be cut or snapped, as seen in the crab and snake duology. The crab body plan has evolved independently multiple times in both true and false crabs, making it a successful and winning design. The discovery of Kiwa Hirsuta, a hairy crab living on hydrothermal vents, further highlights the diverse and fascinating world of crabs.

    • Adaptation of Kiwa crabs to deep-sea hydrothermal ventsKiwa crabs, specifically the Tileri species, have adapted to thrive in the harsh conditions of deep-sea hydrothermal vents through complex behaviors and successful colonization from distant populations, but their survival is tenuous due to the unpredictable nature of these environments.

      The Kiwa crabs, specifically the Tileri species, are fascinating examples of extremophile life that have adapted to thrive in the harsh conditions surrounding deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These crabs, which are technically not true crabs but more closely related to lobsters, live in extremely close quarters near the vents due to the narrow temperature range that supports their survival. They exhibit complex behaviors, such as older crabs congregating near the heat source and females brooding in colder waters, leading to the dispersal of larvae that can colonize new vents. This adaptation to hydrothermal vents is a result of the successful colonization of these environments by dispersed larvae from distant ancestral populations. However, the existence of these fragile ecosystems is tenuous, as the vents can switch on and off, potentially limiting a species' holdings to unsustainable levels. Researchers are still working to understand the intricacies of these delicate environments and the potential impact of human activity on their survival.

    • Discovering Unique Creatures Near Hydrothermal Vents and Building Stronger CommunitiesUnique ocean creatures like deer crustaceans use bacteria for food and thrive near hydrothermal vents. Neighbors can build stronger communities by helping each other in times of need through networks like Neighbor to Neighbor. Astepro offers fast-acting, steroid-free relief for nasal allergy symptoms, and Apple Card provides daily cash rewards on purchases.

      There are unique and fascinating creatures, such as deer crustaceans, living near hydrothermal vents in the ocean. These creatures, including species like Tileri and Quinoa purravidas, use their setae (not hair) to collect bacteria and grow it on their bodies for food. They are self-sufficient and adaptable to their extreme environments. However, their habitats could be at risk due to human activities like deep-sea mining. These creatures, despite their unusual appearances, deserve our attention and protection. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the importance of community and connection. Neighbor to Neighbor is a California volunteers network that encourages people to build stronger communities by helping each other in times of need and preparing for emergencies. It's a reminder that our neighbors are valuable resources and that we can all make a difference by coming together. Lastly, Astepro was introduced as a fast-acting, steroid-free nasal allergy spray that provides relief from symptoms like nasal congestion, runny and itchy nose, and sneezing. It's the first and only 24-hour allergy spray of its kind. Apple Card was also mentioned as a cashback rewards credit card that offers up to 3% daily cash on every purchase.

    • Discovering the Unique: eBay Motors and Deep-Sea CrabsEBay Motors offers over 122 million parts for various vehicles, ensuring a perfect fit and saving money. Deep-sea crab Austinogrea williamsea exhibit intriguing behavior, raising questions about their social structure.

      No matter how unique and precious your vehicle is, eBay Motors has the parts to keep it running smoothly and looking great. With over 122 million parts available, you can find anything from brake kits to turbochargers, all guaranteed to fit your ride the first time. Plus, the competitive pricing means you'll be saving money instead of burning it. Meanwhile, in the deep ocean, a species of crab named Austinogrea williamsea, found around hydrothermal vents, has been observed exhibiting intriguing behavior. While they have been known to engage in brutal cannibalism, they have also been seen grooming each other, eating bacteria off of one another's shells. This behavior raises questions about the social structure of these deep-sea crabs and if there could be a role for social grooming within their communities. While it's unclear if this is a form of social behavior or just a tasty snack, it's a fascinating discovery that adds to our understanding of these mysterious deep-sea creatures. So whether you're keeping your prized possession on the road or exploring the depths of the ocean, eBay Motors and scientific discoveries continue to surprise and delight us.

    • Decorator crabs and their intriguing disguisesCrabs in the Majoidea superfamily use various organisms as disguises, forming symbiotic relationships and sometimes gaining defensive benefits

      Crabs, particularly those in the Majoidea superfamily, exhibit fascinating behaviors and relationships with other organisms. One such behavior is the use of decorative camouflage, where crabs attach various organisms onto their exoskeletons for disguise. Decorator crabs, as they're called, can be found in symbiotic relationships with a range of organisms, including algae, sponges, bryozoans, and even anemones. Some crabs even choose decorations that offer defensive benefits, such as the leeches spider crab's preference for the chemically noxious brown algae Dictyoda dicotoma. These findings not only showcase the intricacy of crab behavior but also offer potential natural precedents for modern technologies like Velcro.

    • The Hairy Seaweed Crab's Camouflage is Edible AlgaeThe Hairy Seaweed Crab selectively attaches and consumes edible algae for both camouflage and potential benefits

      The hairy seaweed crab, Notomythrax ursus, uses algae not only for camouflage but also for consumption. This crab selects specific types of algae, such as Halopteris, spicigara, and Coralina officinalis, and attaches them to its body using a complex process involving its claws and mouthparts. Unlike other crabs that use unappealing or poisonous decorations to deter predators, the hairy seaweed crab consumes its own camouflage. This behavior not only helps the crab blend in with its environment but also provides additional benefits, possibly including nutritional value or protective properties from the algae. The crab's ability to selectively attach and consume algae demonstrates a level of complexity and craftiness that may surprise us, but it is a natural extension of the crab's feeding behavior.

    • Decorator Crab's Adaptive Camouflage and Food SourceDecorator crab uses preferred algae for camouflage and food, maximizing benefits, and frequently updates its mask for a fresh coat.

      The decorator crab, Notomythrax ursus, exhibits a remarkable ability to manipulate its environment for both camouflage and sustenance. The crab selectively chooses the type of algae to use for its mask based on its preference for that algae species, which is also its favorite food. This dual benefit allows the crab to blend in with its surroundings and have a ready food source. The crab's behavior goes beyond mere automatic masking, as it makes strategic decisions to maximize camouflage and food benefits. The crab's algae mask undergoes frequent replacement, ensuring a fresh coat every few days. This adaptive behavior demonstrates the crab's intelligence and resourcefulness in utilizing its environment for survival.

    • Discovering Unique Solutions for Cars and CrabsEBay Motors offers a wide range of car parts with guaranteed fit and competitive prices, while certain crab species can absorb nutrients through their gills, enhancing their adaptability

      EBay Motors offers a vast selection of over 122 million parts, ensuring your unique ride stays in top shape. With guaranteed fit and competitive prices, you can keep your cherished vehicle running smoothly without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, in an unexpected twist, scientists discovered that certain crab species, like the invasive greenshore crab, can absorb nutrients through their gills, allowing them to survive without consuming food traditionally. This intriguing discovery highlights the adaptability of invasive species and could potentially encourage their use in cooking. In summary, eBay Motors provides the perfect solution for car enthusiasts seeking hard-to-find parts, while the greenshore crab's unique feeding method adds another layer to our understanding of these fascinating creatures.

    • Crabs have unique feeding habitsCrabs don't consume food like humans, instead they extract nutrients from their environment while breathing (osmotrophy). Most crabs are scavengers, but pet hermit crabs need a balanced diet. Commercial diets recommended, they're omnivores, eating fresh fruits, veggies, and seafood.

      Crabs do not consume food in the same way humans do. Instead, they extract specific nutrients from their environment as they breathe. This process is sometimes referred to as "osmotrophy." While it may be entertaining to see crabs eating human food in viral videos, most crabs are scavengers and will eat a variety of things. However, for those keeping hermit crabs as pets, it's essential to provide them with a balanced diet that reflects their natural feeding habits. Commercial hermit crab diets are recommended as they contain all the necessary nutrients. Hermit crabs are omnivores and will eat a variety of fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, and seafood. For instance, they enjoy mango, papaya, and coconut. Observing hermit crabs in their natural habitat, such as Belize, can reveal their feeding behaviors and preferences.

    • Hermit crabs' wild diet includes fruits, vegetables, and plant matterProvide a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, plant matter, avoid high sugar/salt foods, add calcium supplements or natural sources.

      Hermit crabs have a varied diet in the wild, consisting of a wide range of foods, primarily focusing on fresh or dried fruits, vegetables, and plant matter. They should avoid foods high in added sugar or salt, such as chips, sweet cereals, and dairy products. Hermit crabs also require calcium for their shell growth, which can be provided through supplements or natural sources like crushed oyster shells or cuttlebone. They are social creatures and may eat based on what they see other hermit crabs consuming. Avoid starchy vegetables and low-nutrient iceberg lettuce. Remember, the goal is to provide a balanced and nutritious diet that mimics their natural eating habits.

    • Complex social behaviors in hermit crabsHermit crabs exhibit intricate social behaviors, such as stealing larger shells and preferring certain foods, demonstrating their adaptability and complex societies.

      Hermit crabs exhibit complex social behaviors, including observing and stealing from each other to acquire larger shells. They also display a preference for certain foods, like iceberg lettuce, which may not have a clear evolutionary advantage but are still sought after. These behaviors demonstrate the intricacy of hermit crab societies and their adaptability to their environment. Additionally, the discussion touched upon the importance of community connections, as highlighted in the Neighbor to Neighbor initiative, and the availability of affordable, reliable wireless service through Visible.

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