phylum arthropods: class myriapoda

Q: What are the two main groups in Class Myriapoda?

A: Centipedes and millipedes

Q: Describe the body plan of myriapods.

A: Bodies with a head followed by numerous similar segments

Q: What is the key characteristic of myriapod body segmentation?

A: The segments are numerous and similar to each other (not specialized into different tagmata like insects)

Q: How many tagmata do myriapods have?

A: Two tagmata: head and trunk (the trunk consists of many similar segments)

Q: What makes myriapod segmentation different from insects?

A: Myriapods have numerous similar segments in the trunk, while insects have distinct head, thorax, and abdomen

Q: How many species of centipedes are there?

A: Approximately 5,000 species

Q: What is the taxonomic classification of centipedes?

A: Subclass Chilopoda

Q: What is the diet of all centipedes?

A: All centipedes are carnivores

Q: What do centipedes mainly prey on?

A: Mainly insects

Q: Where are centipede venomous fangs located?

A: On the first segment (modified from the first pair of legs)

Q: How many pairs of legs does each body segment have in centipedes?

A: One pair of legs per segment

Q: How many legs do centipedes typically have?

A: Fewer than 100 legs (despite the name "centipede" meaning "hundred feet")

Q: What are the venomous fangs of centipedes called and how did they form?

A: They are modified legs from the first segment that have been adapted into venomous fangs

Q: How many species of millipedes are there?

A: Approximately 12,000 species

Q: What is the taxonomic classification of millipedes?

A: Subclass Diplopoda

Q: What is the diet of millipedes?

A: Largely herbivorous

Q: What do millipedes feed on?

A: Decaying vegetation (detritivores)

Q: How many pairs of legs does each body segment have in millipedes?

A: Two pairs of legs on most segments

Q: How many pairs of legs do most millipedes have?

A: Most have 100 pairs or less (200 legs or fewer)

Q: What is the key difference in leg arrangement between centipedes and millipedes?

A: Centipedes have ONE pair of legs per segment; millipedes have TWO pairs of legs per segment

Q: What is the key difference in diet between centipedes and millipedes?

A: Centipedes are carnivores (predators); millipedes are herbivores (feed on decaying vegetation)

Q: Do centipedes or millipedes have more legs per segment?

A: Millipedes (two pairs per segment vs. one pair in centipedes)

What are the key characteristics of Myriapods?

Mouthparts are mandibles; the body consists of a head with one pair of antennae, and numerous segments, each bearing paired uniramous appendages

What are examples of Myriapods?

Centipedes, millipedes