"Hermit Crabs Embrace Plastic Waste as New Shells, Study Reveals"

Researchers have found hermit crabs around the world using plastic waste, particularly plastic caps, as "homes" instead of natural shells, with almost 400 examples discovered. The behavior is attributed to the widespread availability of plastic waste, its lighter weight, different smell, potential attractiveness to females, and efficient camouflage in polluted environments. The long-term impacts of this behavior on hermit crabs are not yet known, but it highlights the pervasive impact of plastic pollution on marine life.