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What is the relationship between hermit crabs and gastropods?

Hermit crabs are not able to grow a shell to protect their soft bodies. Instead, they find the empty shells of gastropods and try them out until they find a perfect fit.

Answer :

Hermit crabs use the empty shells of gastropods to protect themselves, representing a commensal relationship where one benefits without affecting the other.

The relationship between hermit crabs and gastropods is that hermit crabs utilize the empty shells of gastropods for protection. This behavior is essential as hermit crabs, being crustaceans, lack their own hard shells and require the sturdy, empty shells left by deceased gastropods to safeguard their soft bodies.

As gastropods such as snails and slugs move on from their shells due to growth or upon passing away, hermit crabs search for these suitable empty shells to inhabit, demonstrating a form of symbiotic relationship termed commensalism; where one species benefits without significantly harming or helping the other.

Gastropods have a diverse population that lives in various environments including oceans, freshwater habitats, and on land.

They possess a coiled or spiraled shell made of calcium carbonate to protect their bodies.

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Rewritten by : Barada

Answer:

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Explanation:

Basically, the relationship between hermit crabs and gastropods is that when a gastropod dies, the hermit crabs will use their empty shells as their new home until they don't fir inside of it anymore.

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