Arthropods and Insects Flashcards

Flashcards about Arthropods and Insects

Arthropods

A segmented body, a tough exoskeleton, and jointed appendages.

Examples include insects, arachnids, and crustaceans.

Arthropod Evolution

Continuing evolution has led to fewer body segments and highly specialized appendages.

This evolution process has enabled arthropods to adapt to diverse environments and ecological niches over millions of years.

Molting

Arthropods undergo periodic shedding of their exoskeletons as they grow.

This process is known as molting, allowing for increased size and development.

Arthropod Classification

Classified based on the number and structure of their body segments and appendages, particularly their mouthparts.

Crustaceans

Typically have two pairs of branched antennae, two or three body sections, and chewing mouthparts called mandibles.

They include crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, and are primarily aquatic organisms.

Chelicerates

Have mouthparts called chelicerae and two body sections, and most have four pairs of walking legs.

They include spiders, scorpions, and horseshoe crabs, and are known for their role in many ecosystems.

Uniramians

Have jaws, one pair of antennae, and unbranched appendages.

They include insects and myriapods (like centipedes and millipedes), and are characterized by their diverse forms and habitats.

Insect Body Sections

Head, thorax, and abdomen.

Insect Legs

Attached to the thorax.

Metamorphosis

A process of changing shape and form.

Insects undergo metamorphosis to transition from larval stages to adults, involving distinct changes in anatomy and behavior.

Societies

Ants, bees, termites, and some of their relatives form this.

complex social structures that enable cooperation and division of labor among members.

Exoskeleton

Tough outer covering of arthropods.

It provides support and protection for their bodies, while also preventing water loss.

Jointed Appendages

Appendages that are connected by flexible regions.

These allow for a wide range of movement and are found in many arthropods, including legs and antennae.

Mandibles

Mouthparts of crustaceans used for chewing.

They are typically robust and adapted for gripping and handling food, allowing these creatures to efficiently process their diets.

Chelicerae

Mouthparts of chelicerates.

They are often fang-like and used for grasping, cutting, or tearing food, enabling these animals to capture and consume their prey.

Insects

A body divided into three parts—head, thorax, and abdomen

—along with six legs and often wings. They are a diverse group of arthropods, often characterized by their ability to undergo metamorphosis.

incomplete metamorphosis

A type of development in insects where the young resemble the adults and grow through a series of molts, without a distinct larval stage. These in mature forms are called nymphs

complete metamorphosis

A type of development in insects that includes distinct larval and pupal stages before reaching adulthood, facilitating significant changes in form and function.

book lungs

Respiratory structures found in arachnids, consisting of thin plates arranged in a book-like fashion that facilitate gas exchange.

chitin

A tough, flexible polysaccharide that makes up the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi, providing structural support. Made from protein and carbohydrate

Abdomen:

The posterior section of an insect's body, containing digestive and reproductive organs

enchinoderms

A phylum of marine animals characterized by a hard, calcium-rich skeleton and radial symmetry, including starfish, sea urchins, and sand dollars.

Spiny skin,internal skeleten, water vascular system, suction cup like structers, radial symetry

Characteristics of echinoderms.

water vascular systems

A network of fluid-filled canals and tubules used for locomotion, feeding, and gas exchange in echinoderms.