Kingdom Animalia: Phylum Arthropoda

These flashcards cover essential concepts and facts about the Phylum Arthropoda, including definitions, characteristics, and specific classes within the phylum.

What is the defining characteristic of Arthropoda?

Jointed legs.

What percentage of all animals does the Phylum Arthropoda compose?

Approximately 75%.

What does the name 'Arthropoda' mean?

It comes from Latin meaning 'jointed foot'.

What type of body plan do Arthropods have?

They are triploblastic coelomates with a tube-within-a-tube structure.

What materials make up the exoskeleton of Arthropods?

Chitin, which provides strength and protection.

How do terrestrial arthropods such as grasshoppers breathe?

They use a network of branching tracheal tubes.

What organ do spiders use for respiration?

Book lungs.

Describe the circulatory system of Arthropods.

They have an open circulatory system with a well-developed heart.

How is waste excreted in aquatic arthropods?

By diffusion or by kidney-like organs called green glands.

What is the method of reproduction in Arthropods?

They have separate sexes and reproduce sexually.

What is 'molting' in arthropods?

The process of shedding the exoskeleton to allow for growth.

What is unique about Class Chilopoda?

Centipedes with body segments that have 1 pair of legs.

Name a characteristic of Class Diplopoda.

Millipedes have body segments that have 2 pairs of legs.

How are Class Crustacea body regions organized?

They have a fused head and thorax known as the cephalothorax.

What distinguishes Class Arachnida?

They have 4 pairs of legs and use book lungs for respiration.

What percentage of the animal kingdom do insects compose?

About 65% to 70%.

What adaptations contribute to the success of insects?

Small size, hard exoskeleton, short life span, flight capabilities, and specialized appendages.