Arthropod
Arthropod
Arthropod (/ɑːrθrəpɒd/; from Greek ἄρθρον arthron, "joint" and πούς pous, "foot") is a group of invertebrates that includes insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. They are characterized by their jointed limbs and cuticle made of chitin, often mineralised with calcium carbonate.
Etymology
The term "arthropod" comes from the Greek words "arthron", meaning joint, and "pous", meaning foot. This refers to the jointed appendages of these animals.
Classification
Arthropods are classified into five subphyla:
- Trilobitomorpha: Extinct arthropods known as trilobites.
- Chelicerata: Includes spiders, mites, scorpions, and horseshoe crabs.
- Myriapoda: Includes millipedes and centipedes.
- Hexapoda: Includes insects and three other small groups of arthropods.
- Crustacea: Includes crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, krill, barnacles, and many others.
Characteristics
Arthropods are characterized by their segmented bodies and jointed limbs, which give them a high degree of flexibility and mobility. They also have a hard exoskeleton made of chitin, which provides protection and support.
Related Terms
- Exoskeleton: A rigid external covering for the body in some invertebrate animals, especially arthropods.
- Chitin: A fibrous substance consisting of polysaccharides, which is the major constituent in the exoskeleton of arthropods.
- Invertebrate: Animals that do not have a backbone.
- Segmentation: The division of some animal and plant body plans into a series of repetitive segments.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Arthropod
- Wikipedia's article - Arthropod
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