Lobster vs. Roly Poly

Attribute	Lobster	Roly Poly
Kingdom	Animalia	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda	Arthropoda
Class	Malacostraca	Diplopoda
Order	Decapoda	Polydesmida
Family	Nephropidae	Polydesmidae
Genus	Homarus	Armadillidium
Species	Homarus americanus	Armadillidium vulgare

Physical Attributes

Lobsters are crustaceans with a hard exoskeleton, ten legs, and two large claws. They have a long, segmented body and a tail that they use for swimming. Lobsters come in various colors, including blue, green, and red. On the other hand, Roly Polys, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, are small, oval-shaped creatures with a hard shell that can roll up into a ball for protection. They have seven pairs of legs and are typically gray or brown in color.

Habitat

Lobsters are found in oceans around the world, typically in rocky crevices or sandy areas on the ocean floor. They prefer cold, deep waters and are often caught by fishermen for consumption. Roly Polys, on the other hand, are terrestrial creatures that live in damp, dark environments such as under rocks or logs. They are commonly found in gardens and forests, where they feed on decaying plant matter.

Diet

Lobsters are carnivorous creatures that feed on small fish, mollusks, and other marine animals. They use their claws to catch and crush their prey before consuming it. Roly Polys, on the other hand, are detritivores that primarily feed on decaying plant matter, fungi, and small insects. They play an important role in breaking down organic material and recycling nutrients in the soil.

Reproduction

Lobsters reproduce by mating, with the male transferring sperm to the female using specialized appendages. The female then carries the fertilized eggs under her tail until they hatch into larvae. Roly Polys, on the other hand, reproduce through a process called parthenogenesis, where females can produce offspring without mating. They give birth to live young, which are miniature versions of the adults.

Behavior

Lobsters are solitary creatures that are often territorial and aggressive towards each other. They use their claws to establish dominance and defend their territory. Roly Polys, on the other hand, are social creatures that live in groups and communicate through chemical signals. They are non-aggressive and will roll up into a ball when threatened as a defense mechanism.

Ecological Importance

Lobsters play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey. They help control populations of smaller marine animals and are an important food source for larger predators. Roly Polys, on the other hand, are important decomposers that help break down organic matter and recycle nutrients in the soil. They contribute to soil health and fertility by aiding in the decomposition process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lobsters and Roly Polys are two very different creatures with unique attributes and roles in their respective ecosystems. While lobsters are marine predators with a hard exoskeleton and claws for catching prey, Roly Polys are terrestrial decomposers that play a vital role in recycling nutrients in the soil. Both creatures are fascinating in their own right and contribute to the balance of their ecosystems in different ways.