Crab Habitats
Overview
Observe the behavior of Asian shore crabs and determine which habitat they prefer.
Highlights
Program Type: Lab
Program Duration: 1.25 Hours
Trip Season: Sept-June
Student Limit: Up to 20
Ocean Literacy Principle: #5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
Trip Description
The Asian shore crab (Hemigrapsus sanguineus) is an invasive species that has become extremely common in local rocky intertidal habitats. It competes for resources such as hiding places and food with native crabs. In this inquiry-based activity, students design their own experimental chambers to understand habitat selection and competition for resources in populations of Asian shore crabs.