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Researchers working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say warmer, more acidic oceans may reduce the number of stone crab hatchlings as the availability of the popular, pricey delicacy dwindles.

Our first exception today concerns the hermit crab and the animal that determines whether hermit crabs live or die. Hermits don't eat snails, but snails are the most important things in the life of a hermit crab. And it all relates to our ongoing to tale of bilateral asymmetry. Biology concepts - bilateral asymmetry, directional asymmetry, antiasymmetry, crabs, evolution, mate choice, sexual selection, sexual dimorphism

In most animals, the drive to breed and produce offspring is strong. However, most males live their whole lives without having the chance to breed. The events leading up to mating can be very dangerous and also very costly to an individual. Some males have evolved elaborate structures, or weapons, as a result. The structures do help males in both combative situations and with attracting females, but ironically, the structures themselves come with certain costs. This flipped case study provides students with the opportunity to not only see how animal structures and functions are linked, but also to see how certain animal structures are needed and costly. There are videos that students are expected to view before the case. The case was initially designed for a second semester college general biology class for majors. However, it can also be used in non-major biology classes. Students should have some background knowledge of natural selection, specifically sexual selection as well as energetic demands of certain structures.