What key survival advantage does the small adult size of *Triops* provide regarding its offspring?
Allows eggs to be easily dispersed by wind or attached to birds' feet.
The compact adult size of *Triops*, topping out around 3 inches, is intrinsically linked to the success of their reproductive strategy, which relies on maximizing the dispersal of their desiccation-resistant eggs. The eggs themselves are minuscule, measuring less than 0.5 mm in diameter. This small scale means that when the temporary water source dries, the eggs can be easily carried by the wind or adhere to the feet or feathers of birds, enabling them to be transported over vast distances. This dispersal mechanism is crucial for their long-term survival across decades, as it increases the probability that some eggs will land in a newly formed, favorable pool when the next rain event occurs.
