Horseshoe Crabs and Their Ecological Significance

What is the primary reason horseshoe crabs gather on the east coast beaches every year?

• To find food

• To escape predators

• To mate and lay eggs

• To migrate to warmer waters

How are horseshoe crabs more closely related to spiders than to crabs?

• They share a common ancestor

• They have a similar body structure

• They are arachnids

• They have eight legs

What is the main strategy behind the spawning behavior of horseshoe crabs?

• To find more food

• To travel long distances

• To avoid aquatic predators

• To increase their size

Why is the blue blood of horseshoe crabs important?

• It is critical for testing vaccine safety

• It is used in food coloring

• It is a source of nutrients

• It is used in cosmetics

What is the purpose of the yearly survey conducted around Delaware Bay?

• To measure water quality

• To study beach erosion

• To track migratory birds

• To prevent over-harvesting of horseshoe crabs

How do migratory birds benefit from the horseshoe crab spawning season?

• They use the crabs for nesting

• They feed on horseshoe crab eggs

• They migrate with the crabs

• They avoid predators by staying near crabs

Which bird species relies heavily on horseshoe crab eggs during migration?

• The Arctic Tern

• The Snowy Owl

• The Red Knot

• The Bald Eagle

What is a significant environmental concern for horseshoe crabs?

• Increasing ocean temperatures

• Loss of sandy beach habitats

• Lack of food sources

• Overpopulation

What action is often taken to help stranded horseshoe crabs?

• They are fed by volunteers

• They are moved to deeper waters

• They are flipped over to help them move

• They are tagged for research

Why is it important to save stranded horseshoe crabs?

• They are a tourist attraction

• They help control insect populations

• They play a crucial role in the ecosystem

• They are a source of food for humans