"Land Hermit Crabs Embrace Plastic Trash as Shells"

Hermit crabs around the world are increasingly using plastic waste as shells, as revealed by an analysis of photos shared by wildlife enthusiasts. The study found that two-thirds of hermit crab species were pictured in artificial shells, mainly made of plastic caps. Scientists are concerned about the impact of this behavior on the vulnerable crustaceans and are exploring whether the plastic shells are harmful or helpful. The findings highlight the global phenomenon of hermit crabs adapting to the abundance of plastic waste in their environment, raising questions about their interaction with plastic and its potential effects on their evolution.