Return to Crab

carcinization (noun):
An evolutionary process in which non-crab crustaceans independently evolve a crab-like body form, characterized by a flattened body, reduced abdomen tucked beneath the thorax, and enlarged front claws; a classic example of convergent evolution. ie, return to crab.

Carcinization is when evolution keeps turning random crustaceans into crabs. The crab build is just built different. It’s compact, tanky, and great for fighting, moving, and surviving in all kinds of places. Because this body plan goes so hard, evolution keeps reusing it like a meta strategy proof that crabs are low key peak performance and nature’s favorite final form.

"Return to crab" is the meme version of a very real biology thing where evolution keeps accidentally reinventing crabs, like it forgot it already did that and went, "Wait... no yeah, this was perfect." Over and over again, different crustaceans look at their long, awkward bodies and say, "What if I just… became crab?" And evolution replies, "Say less."

Broadly, it's funny because crabs seem to be nature's endgame build. Long bodies? Gone. Vulnerable tail? Tucked away. Now you're a sideways-walking armored Roomba with knives for hands. Crabs are compact, efficient, and absolutely ready to throw hands at any moment. Evolution isn't being lazy, it's just min maxing. Why invent something new when crab already has great defense, solid mobility, and maximum "do not touch me" energy?

So "return to crab" isn't about going backward, it's about ascending. It's evolution repeatedly rage quitting weird designs and respeccing into crab because the stats are cracked. In conclusion: all roads lead to crab, nature keeps hitting the crab button, and honestly? Valid.