An Interview with a Red Rock Crab
Interviewer: We're here with Mr. Red Rock Crab. So, Mr. Crab, how old are you?
Red Rock Crab: Well, I'm 3 years old, but crabs usually live 5-7 years, so I'm
a young crab.
I: I see your shell is hard. Tell us about it.
RRC: My shell is an exoskeleton which means it's my skeleton on the
outside. It's made out of calcium and it's also called a carapace.
Also, every once in a while I will molt and my shell will fall
off revealing a new soft shell. Female crabs molt right before
they mate and the male crabs protect them.
I: How are males different from females?
RRC: Well, females have a large abdomen flap to hold all of the eggs;
Males have a small, narrower flap.
I: Wow, you're interesting! I think we have time for one more question.
Tell us about your history.
RRC: Crabs have been around for 2-5 million years. Also, there are
4,500 species of crab today. Red rock crabs range from Oregon
to Baja, California.
I: Well, crabs are very interesting creatures. Thank you for coming
to talk with us.
RRC: It was my pleasure! Good bye everyone!
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