Isopod Hours
There are many animals that inhabit the ocean floor that we have yet to discover. Of all these animals the isopod is one of the oldest, and quite possibly, the greatest to require oxygen under water. The isopod is a crustacean that lives in the bottom depths of the ocean looking for scraps to eat.
The isopods old age makes them one of Earth’s most durable and resourceful creatures. Their presence on this planet spawns back to millions of years, as fossils of the creature have been found on multiple continents leading us to believe they existed in the era of Pangea. The long living crustaceans can survive under a multitude of different environmental stressors that would normally kill other animals. They can survive years without eating and carry on as if nothing happens, your favorite animal could not do that. Their exoskeleton prevents them from being eaten by squids and sharks, but also is very flexible allowing for easy navigation of the seas. Isopods are a prime example of survival of the fittest.
Another factor that makes isopods iconic is their relation to some of the coolest insect in Earth’s ecosystems. They share similarities with rollie pollies and woodlice, which legitimately are miniature versions of isopods that live on land, unlike isopods, rollie pollies are not scavengers and typically do not eat meat.
The best part about isopods though is their unconventional cuteness that is given nowhere near the amount of respect that it deserves. The crustaceans possess antennae that sit on their head like a crown because they are ocean royalty. Isopods have a stylish exterior that is both protective and clean giving a sleek look when voyaging the open seas in search of food. These shells come in beautiful colors like blue and purple that shine when light reflects off of them.
The colors provide camouflage and can help conceal their presence from predators who do pose a threat to them. And lastly, they have multiple legs and little flaps that facilitate their majestic crossing of the ocean pathways.
If you took nothing else from the entire article just remember this: they are oceanic legends that deserve respect and should be given their just due.