Crustaceans

 

We can all recognise a crustacean.

They include lobsters, crabs, shrimp and woodlice. Crustaceans all have hard exoskeletons and jointed legs that they use to swim, walk or dig.

Small shrimp and other crustaceans are an important food source for fish and other animals, including humans.

Crab on white background
Rolled woodlice on white background

Crustaceans are also important fossils. The oldest fossil crustaceans are found in Cambrian rocks formed over 500 million years ago.

Many of the fossil crustaceans we find in England are from the Jurassic period, and look very much like the shrimp, crabs and lobsters we see today.

Fossil lobster preserved in sandstone
Fossil crab on white bakground
 
 

 

 

 

About this resource
 

Science topic: Fossils, Rocks, Evolution

Key Stage: KS2

Type: Information

Keywords: Fossil crustaceans, fossil crabs, fossil lobsters, Crustacea, exoskeleton