The Phylum Arthropoda includes insects, spiders, crustaceans, scorpions, and centipedes. Arthropods are bilaterally symmetrical and have segmented bodies. Their body is covered with an exoskeleton and many arthropods have compound eyes.
Arthropods are a highly successful group of animals. The Phylum Arthropoda is the largest of all animal phylums and accounts for over three quarters of all currently known living and fossil organisms. The exact number of living arthropod species is unknown since many have yet to be identified, especially those inhabiting tropical rainforests.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
The Phylum Arthropoda contains the following subgroups:- Class: Insecta (insects)
- Class: Collembola (springtails)
- Class: Protura (proturans)
- Class: Diplura (diplurans)
- Class: Myriiapoda (myriapods)
- Class: Crustacea (crustaceans)
- Class: Arachnida (arachnids)
- Class: Pycnogonida (sea spiders)
- Class: Merostomata (horshoe crabs)
Where to See:
Worldwide distribution and habitats. Deap sea, coastal waters, land, rivers and streams, various types of forests, grasslands.
References:
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Myers, P. 2001. Arthropoda, Animal Diversity Web. November 21, 2008.
- Introduction to Arthropoda. University of California at Berkley Museum of Paleontology.
