Crustaceans

Crustaceans (krʌˈsteɪʃənz)

Crustaceans are a large, diverse group of arthropods that includes familiar animals such as crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles. The group is generally characterized by a hard exoskeleton that they must periodically shed in a process called moulting.

Etymology

The term "crustacean" comes from the Latin crustaceus, which means "having a crust or shell".

Classification

Crustaceans are part of the larger group of arthropods, which also includes insects, spiders, and millipedes. They are further classified into various orders and families, based on characteristics such as the number of legs, body segments, and type of appendages.

Anatomy

Crustaceans have a segmented body, which is divided into three parts: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. They have two pairs of antennae, and their eyes are usually compound, similar to those of insects.

Habitat and Distribution

Crustaceans can be found in a variety of environments, from fresh water to the deepest oceans. Some species are terrestrial and live on land, such as the hermit crab and the woodlouse.

Diet

Most crustaceans are omnivores, feeding on a diet of both plants and other animals. Some species are predators, while others are scavengers, feeding on dead organic material.

Reproduction

Crustaceans reproduce sexually, with most species having separate male and female individuals. Some species, however, are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Crustaceans
Wikipedia's article - Crustaceans

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