Ghost Crabs Take Stomach Growling to a Whole New Level

Ghost crabs produce a unique rasping sound using teeth in their stomachs, a behavior discovered in a 2019 study. This sound serves as a warning, freeing their claws for defense. The gastric mill, typically used for grinding food, is repurposed for sound production. Researchers used laser Doppler vibrometry to confirm the sound's origin. The study highlights evolutionary adaptation, where existing structures gain new functions. This phenomenon is not unique to crabs, as other animals also repurpose body parts for communication.

What unique feature do ghost crabs use to produce a rasping sound?

• Their shell

• Their legs

• Their stomach teeth

• Their claws

What technique did researchers use to identify the source of the ghost crab's sound?

• Laser Doppler vibrometry

• Ultrasound imaging

• Magnetic resonance imaging

• Thermal imaging

Why might ghost crabs have evolved to use stomach growling for communication?

• To scare away predators

• To improve digestion

• To free up their claws for defense

• To attract mates

What is a common evolutionary strategy highlighted by the ghost crab's adaptation?

• Increasing body size

• Changing habitat

• Developing new organs

• Using existing structures for new purposes

What other animal behavior is similar to the ghost crab's use of stomach teeth for sound?

• Birds singing

• Fish grunting by gnashing teeth

• Frogs croaking

• Dogs barking