Chapter 31, Problem 11A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The phylum discussed here is Arthropoda, which is the largest phylum of the Metazoa. Arthropods are organisms belonging to the phylum Arthropoda. An arthropod is derived from Greek words “arthron”, meaning "joint" and “pous”, meaning "foot".

So, they have jointed legs, which is the main characteristic of the phylum. They have bilateral symmetry, organ system level of organization and show complete metamerism. They have a chitinous exoskeleton that covers all three segments of the body – head, thorax, and abdomen. They also have separate organs for respiration, sensory perception, excretion, and reproduction. They are mostly oviparous.