Horseshoe Crabs
Horseshoe Crabs
In this session we will teach students about what qualities make an animal a living fossil. We will go over some examples of living fossils then discuss horseshoe crabs, one of our oldest living fossils.
Horseshoe crabs have unique anatomical features that are uncommon on most living species. Students will learn how horseshoe crabs eat, how the shape of their shells protects them from predators, and how they use their tails to flip themselves over. Attendees will also learn how to flip an overturned horseshoe crab in this session.
Learning Points
- Talk with marine biologists about the ancient horseshoe crab.
- Learn what it means to be a living fossil.
- Understand the basic biology of horseshoe crabs.
Additional Activities