Soft-shell crab is a prized dish in many ocean-side resorts. Which of the following statements provides the best explanation for the soft shell of the crabs?
A) The crab has just molted and the new exoskeleton has not yet hardened.
B) These species of crabs live under rocks and therefore have lost the hard exoskeleton over evolutionary time.
C) These species have evolved a light and soft exoskeleton so that gases can diffuse directly between body of the crab and the surrounding water.
D) These species have evolved a light and soft exoskeleton so that they can float in the water column.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The soft shell of crabs is due to the fact that they have recently molted, and their new exoskeleton has not yet had time to harden. This is a temporary state that occurs as part of their growth process.

Soft-Shell Crab Is a Prized Dish in Many Ocean-Side Resorts