Arthropoda
Arthropoda
Arthropoda (pronounced: /ɑːrˈθrɒpədə/), from the Greek words "arthro" meaning joint and "poda" meaning foot, is the largest phylum in the animal kingdom, including insects, spiders, crustaceans, and other similar species.
Etymology
The term "Arthropoda" was coined in the 19th century from the Greek words "arthro" (ἄρθρον) meaning joint, and "poda" (ποδός) meaning foot. This name is a reference to the jointed appendages characteristic of organisms in this phylum.
Definition
Arthropods are invertebrate animals having an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and paired jointed appendages. They represent over 80% of all known living animal species.
Classification
Arthropoda is divided into several subphyla and classes:
- Subphylum Chelicerata: Includes spiders, scorpions, and horseshoe crabs.
- Subphylum Myriapoda: Includes millipedes and centipedes.
- Subphylum Hexapoda: Includes insects and three other small groups of arthropods.
- Subphylum Crustacea: Includes crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, krill, barnacles, and many others.
Related Terms
- Exoskeleton: A rigid external covering for the body in some invertebrate animals, especially arthropods.
- Invertebrate: Animals that do not have a spinal column.
- Segmentation: The division of some animal and plant body plans into a series of repetitive segments.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Arthropoda
- Wikipedia's article - Arthropoda
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