What specialized physical structures on the Yeti Crab's arms support its actual food source?
Answer
Dense covering of long, fuzzy bristles, or setae
The key adaptation for the Yeti Crab's sustenance is not its claws or carapace, but the dense covering of long, fuzzy bristles, scientifically termed setae, found on its arms and claws. These bristles function as more than just insulation; they form a complex substrate or living surface area. This surface is meticulously cultivated to support vast mats of chemosynthetic microorganisms. Essentially, the crab transforms its own limbs into a portable, self-sustaining ecosystem or farm, allowing it to cultivate its primary source of nutrition directly where it lives, which is crucial in the food-scarce abyssal zone.
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Yeti crab eating bacteria from its claws - YouTube
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