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cover of episode Are horseshoe crabs…crabs?

Are horseshoe crabs…crabs?

2025/5/30
logo of podcast But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
AI Deep Dive AI Chapters Transcript
People
A
Amir
A
Ava Rose
B
Benicio
E
Emilio
H
Hazel
I
Ivy
J
Jack
与Ramsey Network或Ramsey Solutions相关的个人，具体信息不详。
J
Jude
L
Louisa
Q
Quinn
S
Sarah Grady
S
Sophie
Topics
Benicio, Amir, Ava Rose: 我们都好奇为什么这种生物被称为马蹄蟹，尤其是在它看起来不像螃蟹的情况下，这个名字的由来究竟是什么？ Sarah Grady: 马蹄蟹之所以得名，是因为其甲壳的形状酷似马蹄，呈现U形。这种甲壳为它们提供了极佳的保护，覆盖了大部分器官。雄性马蹄蟹的爪子特化为独特的“拳击手套”形状，而所有雌性马蹄蟹的爪子都更像剪刀。此外，它们还拥有特殊的后爪，类似于滑雪杖，帮助它们在泥泞中移动。这些生物的身体结构和特征是它们适应环境的关键。 Ivy, Jack: 我们想知道为什么马蹄蟹的名字里有“马蹄”这个词，以及这个名字的来源。

Deep Dive

Chapters
This chapter introduces horseshoe crabs, highlighting their longevity and unique characteristics. It also addresses the common question of why they are called horseshoe crabs despite not resembling typical crabs.
  • Horseshoe crabs have existed for over 400 million years.
  • They are arthropods, more closely related to spiders and scorpions than crabs.
  • Their name originates from the horseshoe-like shape of their carapace.

Shownotes Transcript

How did horseshoe crabs get their names? Are they even crabs? And did they really exist before the dinosaurs? Early spring presents a unique opportunity to see these living fossils up close as they scuttle up to the shoreline along the Atlantic coast of the United States to mate and spawn. But Why traveled to Cape Cod to see horseshoe crabs up close. There we met up with horseshoe crab expert Sara Grady, who works for Mass Audubon. We learn all about these arthropods and answer questions like: Can humans eat horseshoe crabs? What’s with the pointy tails? Do they pinch? How long do they live? And what’s so special about their blood? 

Download our learning guides: PDF) | Google Slide) | Transcript)