Ecdysozoa and Arthropods Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms and concepts related to the Superphylum Ecdysozoa and Arthropoda.

Superphylum Ecdysozoa

A superphylum characterized by molting, including phyla such as Nematoda and Arthropoda.

Ecdysis

The process of shedding the exoskeleton, also known as molting.

Phylum Nematoda

Comprises roundworms, known for their non-segmented bodies.

Caenorhabditis elegans

A model organism used in genetics and developmental biology, specifically a nematode.

Metamorphosis

A biological process where an organism undergoes a significant change in form or structure during its life cycle.

Phylum Tardigrada

Also known as water bears, these are small, resilient creatures that can survive extreme conditions.

Arthropoda

A phylum featuring jointed appendages, an exoskeleton, and segmented bodies, including insects and crustaceans.

Chitin

A long-chain polymer that makes up the exoskeleton of arthropods.

Eutely

A condition in which an organism has a constant cell number at maturity.

Hemimetabolous

A type of insect development characterized by gradual metamorphosis with nymph stages.

Holometabolous

A type of insect development involving complete metamorphosis, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Ametabolous

Insects that do not undergo metamorphosis and develop into larger versions of themselves.

Chelicerata

A subphylum of arthropods that includes spiders and scorpions, characterized by chelicerae (feeding appendages).

Crustacea

A subphylum of arthropods that includes crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, typically found in aquatic environments.

Myriapoda

A subphylum consisting of millipedes and centipedes, characterized by numerous body segments.

Malpighian tubules

Excretory organs in arthropods that help in urine production.

Open circulatory system

A circulatory system where blood is not always contained within blood vessels, typical in arthropods.

Compound eyes

Eyes composed of many individual photoreceptive units, found in many arthropods.

Book lungs

Respiratory structures found in some arachnids, used for gas exchange.

Tracheal system

A system of tubes for respiration in insects, allowing for efficient oxygen transport.

Echinodermata

A separate phylum of marine animals known for their spiny skin and radial symmetry.

Ecosystem roles of nematodes

Nematodes act as predators and decomposers, playing essential roles in nutrient cycling.

Parasitic Nematodes

Types of nematodes that infect hosts, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, causing various diseases.

Natural predators or saprophytes

Nematodes that contribute to organic matter decomposition in ecosystems.

Internal fertilization

A reproductive process in which fertilization occurs inside the female's body, common in Ecdysozoa.

Dracunculus medinensis

The Guinea worm, a parasitic nematode that causes significant health issues.

Leg morphology in millipedes vs centipedes

Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment, while centipedes have one pair of legs per segment.