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2024-11-11

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submitted 9 months ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/science@lemmy.world

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Hermit crabs all over the world, which scavenge shells as armour for their bodies, are turning increasingly to plastic waste instead.

The conclusion is based on analysis of photos, taken by wildlife enthusiasts, and published online.

Scientists said they were "heartbroken" to see the extent to which the animals were living in our rubbish.

They said two-thirds of hermit crabs species were pictured in "artificial shells" - items that humans discarded.

The discovery is published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

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[–] A_A@lemmy.world 10 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

Scientist : We are bad for trashing the wild.
Wild Life : Thanks humans for these wonderful artificial things.

[–] KazuyaDarklight@lemmy.world 13 points 9 months ago (1 children)

"Man, shells sure are easier to find these days, I'm a lucky crab to live in this age of plenty."

[–] stevedidWHAT@lemmy.world 3 points 9 months ago

ecosystem collapses anyway and crab dies from heat death