Plankton Group Presentation Guidelines Classification: Scientific and Common Nam (include phylum, subphylum, order, and species) Distribution- where are they found? Larvae– plankton stage found in lab Metamorphosis- Transformation if a Meroplankton Life cycle– stages of growth (from conception to adulthood) Growth and Reproduction: Asexual? Sexual? Or both? Anatomy– emphasis on a cool adaptation Ecological role– purpose in life References/work cited

My Secret Life as a Crab  Student Names: Marine Science Period #

Classification  Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Subphylum: Crustacea Order: Decapoda Species: C. sapidus (include scientific and common name): My name is Callinectes sapidus But people call me: Chesapeake blue crab

Distribution My environment: I am native to the Western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico although I am introduced Internationally But I am migrating to other areas due to climate change were people have reported me….

I was found in Mrs. Cartamil’s LAB Include pictures from lab and internet

Metamorphosis When the eggs hatch into zoea larvae, they drift away in the ocean currents as plankton. As the juvenile crab grows in size, it goes through a series of molts, each larval stage changing form and function as it grows in a process called metamorphosis. At each molt more segments are added to the end (posterior), and the feathered limbs are replaced by the clawed limbs. The megalops stage more closely resembles the adult decapod crab.

My Life Cycle Blue crab life span ~ 4 years

Growth https://vimeo.com/37438364 Exoskeleton made of chitin 20 molts to sexually mature adult (12-18 months) When growing, their bodies increases Pressure which cracks open their exo- Skeleton. Underneath, they have a new Soft skeleton that is grown. Leaving the Crab vulnerable from predators. It will Harden over time. This process is known As molting. THEY MOLT JUST LIKE INSECTS!!!!

My Anatomy

Reproduction Females release a chemical to attract males Blue crab females only reproduce once When a male and female crab  mate, many female decapod crabs can store the male sperm until her eggs are ready to be released. When the eggs are released, the stored sperm flows over them and they become fertilised. The female crabholds the fertilised eggs in a big spongy mass between its abdominal flap and the body.

Ecological Role Keep sea clean They’re scavengers that feed on dead matter– so if there’s no scavengers like me? How will feed on dead organisms? And imagine there being harmful bacteria that cause diseases!!! SCARY thought isn’t it? Eat plankton too. Etc…

Works Cited References https://www.britannica.com/animal/crab http://baybackpack.com/topics/blue_crabs https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Blue-Crab http://www.mesa.edu.au/friends/seashores/crab_reprod.html