What are shrimp related to?

Shrimp are related to crustaceans, a group of arthropods that includes:

* Crabs: Close relatives, sharing a similar body structure and habitat.

* Lobsters: Similar to shrimp but larger, with prominent claws.

* Crayfish: Smaller freshwater relatives of lobsters.

* Barnacles: Sessile crustaceans that attach themselves to surfaces.

* Woodlice: Terrestrial crustaceans adapted to land.

All crustaceans share key characteristics like:

* Exoskeletons: Hard outer shells for protection.

* Jointed legs: Used for locomotion and feeding.

* Segmented bodies: Composed of distinct sections (head, thorax, abdomen).

* Two pairs of antennae: For sensing the environment.

Shrimp are part of the order Decapoda, which means they have ten legs. This order includes crabs, lobsters, and crayfish, highlighting their close relationships.