Short-Term Microplastic Exposure Impairs Cognition in Hermit Crabs

Crump, A; Aiken, C; Cunningham, EM; Arnott, G

Abstract

We tested whether acute microplastic exposure impacts information gathering and processing (cognition) in hermit crabs (Pagurus bernhardus). For five days, we kept 51 hermit crabs in tanks containing either polyethylene microspheres (n = 27) or no plastic (n = 24). We then transferred individuals into an intermediate-quality shell and presented them with two vials containing either a better or worse shell. Because touching both shell vials required an equivalent behavioural response, this design controlled for general activity. Plastic-exposed hermit crabs were less likely and slower than controls to touch the better shell vial, instead preferring the worse shell vial. Microplastics, therefore, impaired assessments and decision-making, providing direct evidence of acute microplastic exposure disrupting hermit crab cognition.

Citation

Crump, A., Aiken, C., Cunningham, E., & Arnott, G. (2023). Short-Term Microplastic Exposure Impairs Cognition in Hermit Crabs. Animals, 13(6), https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061055

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 10, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Mar 14, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Jul 19, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 20, 2023
• Print ISSN: 2076-2615
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 6
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061055
• Keywords: animal cognition; hermit crab; microplastic pollution; shell selection; BEHAVIOR; SEA; REPRODUCTION; FISH
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/6/1055