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Nov 21, 2025 14 min

Why Crabs Are Evolution On Steroids

from Wild Wonders Hosted by Wild Wonders

Explains the evolutionary phenomenon of carcinization, where multiple species independently evolve a crab-like body plan. It distinguishes true crabs (Brachyurans) from false crabs (Anomurans), both part of the Decapoda order. Key features include a flattened carapace and folded tail (pleon), a design that has persisted for 260 million years and influenced modern robotics. The discussion also covers decarcinization, where some species evolve away from the crab form, and notes that even unrelated animals like horseshoe crabs have convergently adopted this effective body shape. You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms: https://linktr.ee/wild_wonders1 Produced by: https://www.podcaistudio.com/

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Why Crabs Are Evolution On Steroids

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