Overview of Arthropods and Related Phyla

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the study of arthropods and related phyla.

Phylum Arthropoda

Includes four subphyla: Trilobitomorpha, Cheliceriformes, Myriapoda, and Pancrustacea.

Myriapoda

A subphylum that includes centipedes and millipedes.

Tracheae

Breathing tubes used by Myriapoda for respiration.

Largely homonymous

Describes the body structure of Myriapoda where multiple segments look very similar.

Uniramous limbs

Limbs of Myriapoda that consist of a single series of segments.

Malpighian tubules

Excretory structures found in Myriapoda.

Direct development

Type of development in Myriapoda; they do not have larvae.

Atelocerata

Grouping that includes insects and myriapods.

Chilopoda

Class of centipedes, known for being nocturnal predators with one pair of legs per segment.

Diplopoda

Class of millipedes, characterized by two pairs of legs per visible segment.

Synapomorphies of Pancrustacea

Two pairs of antennae and a nauplius larva with three pairs of appendages.

Mandibulata

Taxonomic group that includes both insects and crustaceans.

Crustacea

Subphylum estimated to have approximately 68,000 to 70,000 species.

Distant Island Analogy

Describes species diversity patterns between mainland and island genera.

Class Cephalocarida

A basal group in crustacean classification, small and detritivorous.

Class Remipedia

Found in deep caves, characterized by blindness and homonomous body.

Branchiopoda

Primarily freshwater crustaceans with around 800 species.

Maxillopoda

An extremely diverse class of crustaceans, mostly marine.

Decapods

Crustaceans with five pairs of legs, including lobsters and crabs.

Mantis shrimp

Known for their raptorial predation and fast attack speeds.

Apterygota

Insects that lack wings, unlike most other insect groups.

Insecta

Class with over 1 million described species and unique characteristics.

Tracheal respiratory system

System through which insects breathe using a network of tubes.

Mutualistic relationships

Interaction in ecosystems where species work together for mutual benefit.

Pentamery

Five-rayed radial symmetry found in adult echinoderms.

Water vascular system (WVS)

A system in echinoderms used for movement and feeding.

Echinodermata

Phylum that includes starfish, urchins, and is characterized by radial symmetry.

Coelomocytes

Cells akin to red blood cells in echinoderms focused on immune functions.

Radical metamorphosis

A significant transformation that occurs in echinoderms upon settling as larvae.

Hemichordata

Phylum that includes acorn worms and Pterobranchia.

Chordata

Phylum defined by the presence of a notochord and dorsal nerve cord.

Convergent evolution

Independent evolution of similar traits in different species.

Key innovation

A trait enabling a species to exploit new ecosystems.