What are the adaptations of horseshoe crab?

1. Exoskeleton: The horseshoe crab has a hard exoskeleton made of chitin, which provides protection against predators and support for the body.

2. Compound Eyes: Horseshoe crabs have large, compound eyes located on the top of their head. Each compound eye consists of thousands of individual photoreceptor cells, allowing them to have a wide field of vision.

3. Proboscis: The horseshoe crab has a mouth in the form of a long, pointed proboscis. They use this proboscis to feed on small invertebrates and algae, piercing through their shells or exoskeletons.

4. Chelicerae: Horseshoe crabs have a pair of chelicerae, which are modified appendages near their mouth. They use these chelicerae to grasp and manipulate food.

5. Walking Legs: Horseshoe crabs have five pairs of walking legs that allow them to move along the seafloor. The walking legs have sharp claws that can be used for grasping and defence.

6. Paddle-like Tail: Horseshoe crabs have a long, paddle-like tail, which they use for steering and balance while swimming.

7. Gills: Horseshoe crabs have gill chambers underneath their exoskeletons. These gills are responsible for extracting oxygen from the water for respiration.

8. Blue Blood: The blood of horseshoe crabs is blue because of the presence of the protein hemocyanin, which carries oxygen. Hemocyanin contains copper instead of iron, giving it a blue colour.

9. Sensory Hairs: Horseshoe crabs have numerous sensory hairs on their body, which help them sense their surroundings, detect movement, and respond to changes in the environment.

10. Regeneration Ability: Horseshoe crabs have a remarkable ability to regenerate lost limbs or body parts. If a limb is lost due to injury or predation, they can regenerate a new one over time.