Arthropod

Arthropod [r]: Phylum containing insects, crustaceans, and organisms with a hard shell-like segmented body. ^[e]

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Arthropods
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylums
Celicerata Crustacea Hexapoda Myriapoda

Arthropods are the phylum which includes insects, crustaceans, and all organisms with a hard shell-like segmented body, such as spiders, horseshoe crabs, and centipedes.

Identification

Arthropods have a hard outer shell, or exoskeleton, which is periodically shed and regrown. The body is segmented, usually with 2-3 distinct groupings. Paired and segmented appendages are usually present.

Life Cycle

With the exception of insects, arthropods undergo little to no metamorphosis. Immature arthropods resemble adults. A few crustaceans have a immature form that differs significantly from that of the adult. Some Celicerata have fewer legs in the immature form.

Habitat

Arthropod habitats are very diverse. Arthropods are found in almost every habitat. Feeding is equally varied.

Taxonomy

Formerly, arthropods were divided into only two subphyla, Manibulata and Celicerata. Mandibulate arthropods include crustaceans, hexapods, and Myriapoda.

Number of species

There are 104,000 species found in North America, and 840,000 worldwide.

Subdivisions

There are 4 subphylums in this phylum.

Bibliography

Borrer, DJ and RE White. A Field Guide to Insects: America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston, 1970. ISBN 0-395-91170-2

Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed June 4 2008.