Which structures do yabbies over 25 g use to scoop food toward their mouthparts?

Answer

Third maxillipeds

The feeding strategy employed by the yabby is highly dependent on body size, illustrating sophisticated neurological and physiological coordination tailored to the available food source and the animal's physical dimensions. For smaller individuals, typically under 15 grams, feeding relies on direct manipulation using the walking legs to capture zooplankton and move it quickly to the mouth. However, for larger, heavier yabbies exceeding 25 grams, the mechanics shift. These larger crustaceans utilize their specialized appendages known as the third maxillipeds. These structures function as highly coordinated scoops or rakes, efficiently gathering larger items, often including plant matter or captured prey, and directing them precisely toward the oral cavity for consumption, indicating a more complex food processing routine in larger specimens.

Which structures do yabbies over 25 g use to scoop food toward their mouthparts?

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