ARTHROPODA

Description:

The phylum Arthropoda contains a wide diversity of

animals with hard exoskeletons and jointed
appendages. Many familiar species belong to the
phylum Arthropoda—insects, spiders, scorpions,
centipeqdes, and millipedes on land; crabs, crayfish,
shrimp, lobsters, and barnacles in water
 Arthropods are divided into four
major groups:

Myriapods: including centipedes and millipedes

Arachnids : Including spiders, mites and scorpion.

Crustaceans: Including slaters, prawn and crabs.

Hexapods: Insects and Springtails
 Habitat:
Arthropods are animals that are found throughout the
world, from deserts to mountain tops, all the way
down to the bottom of the oceans.
They live in several types of environments, depending
on the species. Some arthropods live on land, others in
freshwater, and some at the edges of the sea.
Characteristics:
They possess an exoskeleton.
They have jointed appendages.
Their body is segmented.
They are bilaterally symmetrical.
They possess an open circulatory
system.
 Means of Reproduction or
propagation:
Arthropods reproduce by sexual reproduction, which involves the
generation and fusion of gametes. Most arthropods are either male
or female, and they undergo internal fertilization. Once the egg has
been fertilized, the female usually lays the egg, and it continues
developing outside of the mother's body.
 Environmental Impotance:

Arthropods play extremely important roles in

maintaining the ecosystem and can also be
beneficial for humans. For example, many insects
pollinate plants, produce useful substances, act as
pest control, and serve as food for other animals
and also for humans.
 Parts and Function
Anatomy and Physiology
Arthropods are cephalized organisms meaning that they
Head- have a central brain that is located in a distinct head
region. The head region also houses the mouth and
some sensory organs.
Thorax- This region is almost exclusively adapted for locomotion. The
body section after the head, with the legs and wings
attached.
Abdomen- It contains most of the vital organ systems such as
digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory and
reproductive systems.
 Benefits:
Arthropods are also responsible for a suite of
activities that are beneficial to humans: pollinating
crops, producing honey, eating or parasitizing insect
pests, decomposing waste, and being food for a
variety of birds, fish, and mammals. Farmland
abounds with beneficial arthropods.
Thank you