Switching Skeletons: Hydrostatic Support in Molting Crabs

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1085987
• Publication Date: 2003-07-10T21:18:38Z
• Authors: Jennifer R. A. Ta...; William M. Kier
• Keywords: Hydrostatic pressure; Hydrostatic equilibrium; Skeleton (computer programming)

Skeletal support systems are essential for support, movement, muscular antagonism, and locomotion. Crustaceans shed their rigid exoskeleton at each molt yet still capable of forceful movement. We hypothesize that the soft water-inflated body newly molted crabs may rely on a hydrostatic skeleton, similar to worms polyps. measured internal pressure force exerted during claw adduction observed strong correlation between pressure, consistent with skeletal support. This alternation two basic types be widespread among arthropods.