Hermit crabs, which typically use shells as protection, are increasingly turning to plastic waste instead. This conclusion is based on an analysis of photographs taken by wildlife enthusiasts and shared online. Scientists were saddened to see the extent to which these animals were living in our rubbish. The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, used social media and photo-sharing websites to gather data. The researchers found that two-thirds of hermit crab species were pictured using artificial shells, mainly made of plastic.

The researchers discovered a total of 386 hermit crabs using plastic caps as shells. They also found that 10 out of the 16 species of land hermit crabs worldwide use this type of shelter. However, it is still unclear whether these materials are harmful or beneficial to the crabs. The researchers are interested in understanding how these coastal crustaceans interact with and use plastic, as well as how it might affect their evolution.

The use of artificial shells by hermit crabs is a global phenomenon, observed in two-thirds of all terrestrial hermit crab species. The researchers want to investigate whether the crabs will fight over plastic shells, as they do over natural snail shells. The decline in natural snail shells may make it easier for the crabs to find artificial alternatives. Additionally, lighter plastic shells may even help smaller and weaker crabs survive, as they are easier to carry.

There is a significant amount of plastic in the marine environment for the crabs to choose from. A recent study estimated that at least 171 trillion pieces of plastic are floating in our oceans, and this number could triple by 2040 if no action is taken. However, there is hope that a global treaty to address plastic pollution will be signed in 2024. Mark Miodownik, a professor of materials and society, suggests that humans should learn from the hermit crabs and reuse plastics instead of discarding them.

Original news source: Hermit crabs are 'wearing' our plastic rubbish (BBC)

– Charades
Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. Give each team a set of vocabulary words related to the article (e.g. hermit crab, plastic waste, artificial shells). One student from each team will come to the front of the class and act out the word without speaking. The team members must guess the word within a certain time limit. The team that guesses the most words correctly wins.
– News Summary
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will take turns summarizing the article in their own words. They should include the main points and key details. After each summary, the other students can ask questions to clarify any points they didn't understand. This activity helps students practice their summarizing and speaking skills.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements related to the article (e.g. Plastic waste is harmful to hermit crabs, Reusing plastics is a good solution to the pollution problem). Have students walk around the classroom and ask their classmates for their opinions on each statement. They should record their classmates' responses and be prepared to share the results with the class. This activity encourages students to engage in discussions and express their opinions.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Give each student a vocabulary word from the article (e.g. hermit crab, plastic waste, artificial shells). They should draw a picture that represents the word without using any letters or numbers. The other students must guess the word based on the drawing. This activity helps students practice their vocabulary and visual communication skills.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will discuss and make predictions about the future of hermit crabs and plastic waste. They should consider the potential impact of plastic pollution on hermit crab populations and their habitats. After the discussion, each group will share their predictions with the class. This activity encourages critical thinking and speculation about future scenarios.

Hermit crabs, which typically use shells as ?, are increasingly turning to plastic waste instead. This conclusion is based on an ? of photographs taken by wildlife enthusiasts and shared online. Scientists were saddened to see the extent to which these animals were living in our rubbish. The study, published in the journal Science of the ? Environment, used ? media and photo-sharing websites to gather data. The researchers found that two-thirds of hermit crab species were ? using artificial shells, mainly made of plastic. The researchers discovered a total of 386 hermit crabs using plastic caps as shells. They also found that 10 out of the 16 species of land hermit crabs worldwide use this type of shelter. However, it is still unclear whether these materials are harmful or beneficial to the crabs. The researchers are interested in understanding how these ? crustaceans ? with and use plastic, as well as how it might ? their evolution. The use of artificial shells by ? ? is a global ?, observed in two-thirds of all terrestrial hermit crab species. The researchers want to investigate whether the crabs will fight over plastic shells, as they do over natural snail shells. The decline in natural snail shells may make it easier for the crabs to find artificial alternatives. Additionally, ? plastic shells may even help smaller and weaker crabs survive, as they are easier to carry. There is a significant amount of ? in the ? environment for the crabs to choose from. A recent study estimated that at least 171 trillion ? of plastic are floating in our oceans, and this number could triple by 2040 if no action is taken. However, there is hope that a global treaty to address plastic pollution will be signed in 2024. Mark Miodownik, a professor of materials and society, suggests that humans should learn from the hermit crabs and reuse ? instead of discarding them.

1. What is a hermit crab and why do they use shells for protection?
2. How would you feel if you saw animals living in plastic waste?
3. Do you think it is concerning that two-thirds of hermit crab species are using plastic shells? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think hermit crabs are choosing plastic shells instead of natural snail shells?
5. How do you think the use of plastic shells might affect the evolution of hermit crabs?
6. Do you think hermit crabs will fight over plastic shells like they do over natural snail shells? Why or why not?
7. How do you think the decline in natural snail shells might impact hermit crab populations?
8. Do you like the idea of humans reusing plastics instead of discarding them? Why or why not?
9. How do you think the abundance of plastic in the marine environment is affecting marine life?
10. Why do you think there is hope that a global treaty to address plastic pollution will be signed in 2024?
11. How do you think the increasing amount of plastic in our oceans will impact the planet in the future?
12. Do you think humans should be more responsible for their plastic waste? Why or why not?
13. How do you think the use of plastic shells by hermit crabs reflects the impact of human activity on the environment?
14. What steps do you think individuals can take to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans?
15. How do you think the use of plastic shells by hermit crabs highlights the need for environmental conservation and protection?

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