Biology 11 Phylum Arthropoda

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There are many examples of arthropods, including: insects, spiders, crustaceans, millipedes, centipedes, scorpions. Arthropods are a group of animals that share three common traits: o Hard exoskeleton made of chitin that is used for protection, muscle attachment, locomotion and prevention of desiccation. Exoskeleton must be shed as the organism grows larger. A new soft, wrinkled exoskeleton is first excreted by the body under the old one, then the old one is shed and the new one expands and hardens. This process is called molting. o Body segments may be fused together to form body regions. o Jointed appendages (arthropod = jointed foot). Appendages include antennae, claws, legs, and wings. Feeding a variety of appendages have evolved that allow a range of feeding habits carnivores, herbivores, parasites and filter feeders all exist in Phylum Arthropoda. Respiration three basic types of respiratory structures o gills (e.g. crabs and other aquatic arthropods) o book gills/book lungs (e.g. horseshoe crabs, spiders) thin layers of tissue (like a book) increases surface area for gas exchange o spiracles & tracheal tubes (e.g. insects) tubes that carry air through the body. Oxygen diffuses out of the tubes into the body tissues Internal transport Arthropods have an open-circulatory system. The heart pumps blood to the hemocoel a cavity in which the internal organs are bathed in the insects blood. Excretion undigested food leaves through anus. Cellular waste is removed in a variety of ways: o Terrestrial arthropods use Malpighian tubules. These remove waste from the blood in the hemocoel and add the waste to undigested food before it leaves. o o Excretory glands at base of legs Aquatic arthropods use diffusion to remove waste.

Nervous system Arthropods have a well-developed nervous system consisting of a brain and a ventral nerve cord. o Statocysts o Chemosensory cells o Compound eyes & ocelli o Ears o Antennae Movement muscles attach to points on the exoskeleton and are used to move joints, similar to how our bones and muscles work.

 Reproduction All terrestrial arthropods have internal fertilization; sperm is transferred indirectly to the female (internal fertilization). Once the eggs are fertilized, the female then lays the eggs in a safe place until they hatch. Aquatic arthropods can use either internal or external fertilization.