Question

The California Mussel (​ Mytilus californianus​ ) is the natural prey of the shore crab (​ Carcinus maenas​ ). Study the graph above. Why would a crab adapt to having larger claws according to the graph?

a. Larger claws would help the crab camouflage in the rocks so the mussels won’t see them.
b. Larger claws would help the crab swim fast in a rough current toward where the mussels are hiding.
c. Larger claws would help the crab crack open the shells of the mussels so the crab can eat them.
d. Larger claws would scare away the mussels with thicker shells causing the crabs to choose a new food source.

Answer 1

The correct answer is - c. Larger claws would help the crab crack open the shells of the mussels so the crab can eat them.

Step-by-step explanation:

The graph (attached) states that the two variables size of claws of the crabs depends on the thickness of the shell of mussels. With the increase in the thickness of the shell of the mussels the size of the claws of crabs also increases and becomes larger.

The most likely explanation of this change would be adapting according to the change in the shell of the crab as they require to crack their shell to eat them as mussels are the primary food source of these crabs.