Familiar Examples:
* Crabs: This group includes blue crabs, stone crabs, fiddler crabs, and hermit crabs.
* Lobsters: From the familiar Maine lobster to spiny lobsters, these decapods are prized for their delicious meat.
* Shrimp: A wide variety of shrimp exist, from the tiny brine shrimp to the giant tiger shrimp.
* Crayfish: Also known as crawfish, these freshwater relatives of lobsters are popular in Cajun cuisine.
Other Crustaceans:
* Barnacles: These marine crustaceans are often found clinging to rocks, ships, and even whales.
* Woodlice: These land-dwelling crustaceans are often mistaken for insects.
* Krill: Tiny, shrimp-like creatures that form massive swarms and are a crucial food source for many marine animals.
* Isopods: A large group that includes pillbugs, sow bugs, and many other small creatures.
Key Characteristics of Crustaceans:
* Exoskeleton: A hard, protective outer shell made of chitin.
* Jointed appendages: Legs, antennae, and other body parts that are segmented and movable.
* Two pairs of antennae: Used for sensing their environment.
* Gills: Most crustaceans breathe through gills.
* Varied habitats: Crustaceans live in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.
This is just a small selection of the many thousands of crustacean species that exist worldwide. They are an incredibly diverse and important group of animals!