Horseshoe crab research
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Horseshoe crab research
Horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) in shallow water by a coast. The horseshoe crab, contrary to its name, is a distant relative of the spider. It has existed unchanged for over 500 million years. It inhabits the eastern coast of North America, and comes to the shore to breed and lay eggs. The breeding season is usually in early summer. The horseshoe crab feeds on molluscs, worms and algae in shallow coastal waters with sandy bottoms. Due to its primitive nature, it has been extensively used as a research animal. Study of its nervous system has provided insight into information pro- cessing in higher animals, and study of its immune system may reveal how animals fight infection
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Media ID 6467377
© VOLKER STEGER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Ancient Beach Coast Coastal Crab Living Fossil Marine Biology Laboratory Primitive Shallow Us A Woods Hole Limulus Polyphemus
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intriguing world of horseshoe crab research. In this image, a group of horseshoe crabs, scientifically known as Limulus polyphemus, gracefully navigate through shallow waters along the eastern coast of North America. Despite its name, this ancient creature is not related to crabs but rather shares a distant ancestry with spiders. With an existence spanning over an astonishing 500 million years, the horseshoe crab stands as a living fossil and a testament to nature's resilience. Every early summer, these remarkable creatures gather on the shore for their breeding season, laying eggs that will continue their lineage. Feeding on molluscs, worms, and algae in sandy coastal waters, these primitive beings have become invaluable subjects for scientific research. Their nervous system has provided valuable insights into information processing in higher animals while studying their immune system holds potential discoveries about how animals combat infections. This mesmerizing photograph captures both the beauty and significance of these ancient marine creatures against the backdrop of a serene coastline. It serves as a reminder that even within our modern world filled with constant change and evolution, there are still remnants from Earth's distant past waiting to be explored and understood by dedicated researchers at institutions like Woods Hole's Marine Biology Laboratory (MBL).
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