Arthropod Characteristics

These flashcards cover important vocabulary related to the characteristics and biological features of arthropods.

Arthropod

An invertebrate animal having an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and jointed appendages.

Exoskeleton

A hard outer structure that provides support and protection to arthropods.

Mandibles

A pair of appendages in arthropods adapted for biting and chewing.

Copepod

A tiny marine arthropod that is a key part of the planktonic community.

Molting

The process by which arthropods shed their exoskeleton to grow.

Pheromones

Chemicals secreted by insects that influence the behavior of other individuals of the same species.

Tracheal tubes

Branching tubes in terrestrial arthropods that carry oxygen directly to body tissues.

Compound eye

An eye composed of many individual facets, allowing for a mosaic view and detection of motion.

Cephalothorax

A body structure in some arthropods where the thorax is fused with the head.

Malpighian tubules

The excretory system of some arthropods that helps remove waste and conserve water.

Jointed appendages

Limbs or structures that have joints, allowing for flexibility and complex movement.

Gills

Respiratory structures used by aquatic arthropods to obtain oxygen from water.

Book lungs

Respiratory structures in some arthropods that contain many folds for efficient gas exchange.

Segmentation

The division of an arthropod's body into distinct regions that allow for specialization of functions.

Homostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment within an organism.

Tympanum

A membrane used for hearing found in some arthropods.