While some species of fiddler crab can adjust their spawning times to account for changing ocean temperatures, others do not. Changing ocean temperatures, which can affect embryo development, may affect these species differently. (Photo credit: Kecia Kerr)
A new study shows how some species of fiddler crabs can compensate for changing temperatures when timing their courtship.
Fiddler crabs sync up the hatching of their young with bimonthly higher tides in order to ensure they have the best chance of escaping predators. But at some times of year, cold temperatures can slow embryo development.
Researchers showed that some species of crab compensate for this by starting their mating cycle earlier during colder months, but others don’t. These species will likely respond differently to a changing climate.
Original research paper published in the the journal PLOS ONE on May 15, 2014.
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