Phylum Arthropoda Study Material

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering the characteristics, classification, and examples of organisms within the Phylum Arthropoda based on lecture notes.

Phylum Arthropoda

The largest phylum of Animalia which includes over $2/3$ of all named species on earth.

Arthropoda Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'arthros', meaning jointed, and 'podos', meaning appendages.

Malpighian tubules

The excretory structures in arthropods that help in the removal of nitrogenous wastes.

Chitin

A polysaccharide and polymer of N-acetylglucosamine that forms the exoskeleton of arthropods.

Statocyst

The balancing organ found in the sensory system of arthropods.

Dioecious

A reproductive state where sexes are separate; most arthropods exhibit this condition.

Oviparity

A reproductive trait where animals lay eggs; most arthropods are characterized by this.

Anopheles

The mosquito genus that acts as the vector for malaria.

Aedes

The mosquito genus that acts as the vector for dengue fever and chikungunya.

Culex

The mosquito genus that acts as the vector for filariasis.

Lepisma

Commonly known as silver fish, it is an example of an arthropod with direct development.

Limulus

Known as the King Crab, it is a living fossil that has remained unchanged for millions of years and breathes through book gills.

Locusta

The Locust, a gregarious pest characterized by its ability to form dense, highly mobile swarms.

Apis

The genus of the honey bee, an economically useful insect that produces honey.

Bombyx

Known as the Silk moth, its larva is the silkworm which is used to produce silk.

Laccifer

Commonly known as the Lac insect, which is used for the production of lac.

Book lungs

The specialized respiratory organs found in spiders and scorpions.

Tracheal system

The respiratory system used by insects such as butterflies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.

Gills

The respiratory organs used by aquatic arthropods like prawns and crabs.

Internal fertilization

The usual method of fertilization in the reproduction of arthropods.

Arthropod Body Structure

The body is segmented and typically divisible into three parts: head, thorax, and abdomen.