a shell
Yes.
No, crabs are invertebrates and like all arthropods do not have a backbone or spine. Their skeleton is on the outside, called an exoskeleton, and performs similar functions to the skeletons of vertebrates.
Lobsters and crabs
Crabs, lobsters, beetles, ants.
It is usually refered to as an exoskeleton but can also be called a carapace (\most often reserved for crabs and lobsters).
No. Crabs do not have an internal skeleton (endoskeleton). They have only an external skeleton (exoskeleton) that does not have any ribs.
chitin
No, crabs have an exoskeleton so they do not need a backbone.
Hermit crabs are considered to be in the arthropods family. Hermit crabs have a hard exoskeleton made of chiton which helps provide protection and give the muscles attachment support. Although a hermit crab will grow, their exoskeleton does not so they must constantly shed said exoskeleton in favor for a new one that it grows into.
Exoskeleton means "outside skeleton". Animals that have no bones, but a hard outer shell have an exoskeleton- like crabs and lobsters. That would be a weird looking parrot.
Crabs support their body through their eight legs as well as an exoskeleton, which means that the bones are outside and the body is inside. The exoskeleton in this case is a shell, and the claws are pincers because they are used for pinching purposes.
Shrimps and crabs differ from molluscs by having a chitinous exoskeleton and jointed appendages.