What exactly are Triops? Well, Triops are a primitive type of crustation left over from the Triassic period(the time of the dinosaurs). And over that extremely long period of time, they have changed very little. Triops are found on every continent except Antarctica. Triops have a lifespan of 30-90 days. Their lifetime is so short because Triops are found in temporary ponds, which accumulate in the wet season and dry up in the dry season. Durring this time, the Triops will bury their eggs in the sand, which will hatch in a year, when the rainy season returns.
The eggs can survive up to twenty years out of water. The eggs are able to do this by entering a state of diapause(suspended animation). Triops are omnivours, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Triops are also cannabals, which when food dwindels, will devour smaller Triops. |
