A scientist is experimenting on a species of male crab by altering its usual levels of ecdysteroid hormones. What would be an obvious morphological response from this treatment?
A) The crab will prematurely begin its mating cycle.
B) The crab's circadian rhythms will not follow the normal day/night cycle, resulting in the crab being active at night and sheltering in the day.
C) The crab's moulting process will be abnormal.
D) The crab's testes will shrink markedly.
E) The crab's compound eyes will reduce, and start to mimic small antennae-like appendages.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ecdysteroid hormones are primarily involved in the moulting process of arthropods, including crabs. Altering the levels of these hormones would most directly affect the crab's ability to moult properly.

A Scientist Is Experimenting on a Species of Male Crab