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submitted 2 years 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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[–] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 23 points 2 years ago (4 children)

That crab is kind of badass...

[–] espentan@lemmy.world 8 points 2 years ago

It's now doomed to forever be searching the world's oceans looking for a suitable lamp.

Oh who am I kidding, it'll find a dozen discarded lamps around the next corner..

[–] fogstormberry@lemmy.blahaj.zone 4 points 2 years ago

agree. the story is kinda sad but also kinda badass. nature will be just fine when we're gone

[–] A_A@lemmy.world 3 points 2 years ago

Switch it on and you'll get a Flying_Crab 🤣

[–] ClassyHatter@sopuli.xyz 3 points 2 years ago

I think it's very enlightened crab!

[–] A_A@lemmy.world 9 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

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

[–] KazuyaDarklight@lemmy.world 11 points 2 years 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 2 years ago

ecosystem collapses anyway and crab dies from heat death

[–] white_shotgun@aussie.zone 5 points 2 years ago

Planet is fucked

[–] zipzoopaboop@lemmynsfw.com 2 points 2 years ago

Why is wearing in quotes