ZoologyLesson 2 of 2 in the course Invertebrates

Arthropod Body Plans, Growth, and Major Groups

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Arthropods are an exceptionally diverse group of animals whose jointed bodies and protective exoskeletons have helped them thrive in aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial habitats. This lesson introduces the defining features shared across the phylum and explains how their bodies grow.

The name Arthropoda means “jointed feet.” Arthropods are coelomate, protostomic animals characterized by segmentation, jointed appendages, and a tough external skeleton. More than a million arthropod species have been described, and many additional species are likely awaiting classification. Insects make up the largest class within this highly diverse phylum.

All flashcards

What are the three hallmark features of arthropods?
Arthropods have segmented bodies, jointed appendages, and a tough exoskeleton made principally of chitin.
What does the term tagma mean?
A tagma is a functional body region made from one or more segments that have become grouped or fused, such as a head or cephalothorax.
What is the difference between molting and ecdysis?
Molting is the growth-related process of replacing the cuticle. Ecdysis is the actual shedding of the old exoskeleton.
What is the hemocoel?
The hemocoel is the central blood cavity of an arthropod. Hemolymph circulates through it in the animal's open circulatory system.
How do Malpighian tubules help insects?
They remove nitrogenous wastes and work with the hindgut to conserve water.

Quiz questions

  1. How many pairs of legs are typically found on each centipede body segment?Answer: One pair
  2. A biramous crustacean appendage branches into which two parts?Answer: An endopod and an exopod
  3. Which sequence describes incomplete metamorphosis in insects?Answer: Egg, nymph, adult
  4. In winged insects, where are wings commonly attached?Answer: The mesothorax and metathorax
  5. What oxygen-transport protein occurs in chelicerate hemolymph?Answer: Hemocyanin, a copper-containing protein

Based on Biology 2e by Mary Ann Clark, Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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