Do lobsters feel pain when steamed?

Answer 1

While past research concluded that lobsters cannot feel pain since they do not have a neocortex, current research suggests that lobsters do indeed feel pain. You can read the article here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29915025/

Answer 2

It is not fully known. The lobster nervous system is decentralized, having a brain and a series of ganglia, and has even less neurons than even that of an ant. However, they also possess endogenous opioids.

In 2009 and 2013, Elwood et al had demonstrated that crabs (who are considered Decapods, along with lobsters and shrimp) can learn to associate electric shocks with an unrelated cue. In the 2009 study, hermit crabs that were shocked when entering one shell often forfeited the shell. In the 2013 trial, crabs were shocked when entering a dark shelter (in which they preferred), and many of the crabs escaped and did not return after being shocked. This demonstrates that they are able to learn to avoid electric shocks. However, trials on lobsters have not been conducted.

All being said, this is still not 100% proof that they feel pain, at least like we do. It is still better to give them the benefit of the doubt and destroy their nervous system quickly, or to refrain from eating them on the next meal.

Answer 3

Yes, lobsters definitely have vision; their eyes are visible sticking out either side of a process on the front of their head called a rostrum (sometimes referred to as their nose) - and somewhat resembling the eyes of a crab. If you looked at one of these eye-stalks close-up you would see a faceting similar to the compound vision of insects, but with a square-grid (not hexagonal) arrangement which reflects some rather remarkable and unusual engineering in order to facilitate vision.

Despite having well identified organs of sight, this doesn't describe exactly WHAT they can see. Lobster vision has been shown to be quite sensitive including in low light conditions, and in particular discerning light and shadow, but not necessarily having a high power of resolution (seeing fine detail). Since they live in a murky environment on the ocean floor, other senses are of great significance to them and they use antenna, feet, and special hairs on their body for the taste/smell/vibration/water movement sense in order to stay aware of their surroundings. The incredible sensitivity of their chemical sense, as verified in various studies, functions in the role of tasks that we humans would naturally assume vision would be essential for. In a way, lobsters are well adapted to chemically "see" their environment.

Answer 4

They do respond to "negative stimuli", but it is heavily unlikely that they feel pain the way we do.

Answer 5

Most likely not, as they lack a central nervous system.

Answer 6

No but i know penises can and your mom cant

Answer 7

If they aren't dead, yes they feel pain.

Answer 8

No, they don't fell a thing.

Answer 9

Yes.