zoology 19

Jointed exoskeleton

A major evolutionary adaptation of arthropods made of chitin that provides protection, structural support, and allows for efficient movement.

Chitin

A tough, flexible, structural polysaccharide that makes up the exoskeleton of arthropods.

Tagmata

Specialized body regions in arthropods, resulting from segmentation.

Metamorphosis

The developmental process in which arthropods change from larval forms to adult forms, often using different habitats and food sources.

Exoskeleton

A protective, external skeleton that supports and protects the body of arthropods.

Segmentation

The division of the body into repeated segments, notable in arthropods and contributing to their flexibility and specialization.

Chelicerae

Mouthparts of chelicerates, specialized for feeding, often modified into fangs or pincers.

Pedipalps

Appendages found in arachnids and some other arthropods, serving various functions such as sensory perception or feeding.

Compound eyes

Multifaceted eyes that offer a wide field of vision, found in many arthropods.

Arachnids

A class of arthropods that includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites, characterized by having eight legs and two main body parts.

Merostomata

A class within the subphylum Chelicerata, consisting of horseshoe crabs, ancient marine arthropods with specialized respiratory structures.

Trilobites

An extinct class of arthropods that existed during the Paleozoic Era, known for their segmented bodies and well-developed eyes.

Segmented appendages

Limbs that are divided into segments, allowing for greater flexibility and movement in arthropods.

Myriapoda

A subphylum of arthropods that includes centipedes and millipedes, characterized by elongated bodies with many segments.

Silk proteins

Materials secreted by spinnerets in spiders used for web production, egg sacs, or safety lines.

Black Widow

A dangerous spider known for its neurotoxic venom.

Brown Recluse

A spider known for its necrotic venom, causing significant tissue damage.

Ticks and Mites

Small arachnids, often parasitic, important in medical and agricultural contexts due to disease transmission.