Chapter 33, Problem 41A

Summary Introduction

To write: the adaptations that have made arthropods the most evolutionary, successful animals.

Introduction: The arthropods make up about three-fourths of all animal species. It has three body areas, they are the head, thorax, and the abdomen. Some only have one pair of wings and others do not have.

Explanation of Solution

Insects legs are adapted to a variety of functions. Beetles have walking legs with claws that enable them to dig in the soil or crawl under the bark. Flies have walking legs with sticky pads on the ends that enable them to walk upside down.

Insects mouthparts are adapted to the food they eat. Different types of flies such as houseflies have sponging and lapping mouthparts that take up liquids. Insects are the only invertebrate that can fly. Unlike bird and mammal wings that are modified limbs, insect wings are outgrowths of the body wall.

Conclusion

Thus, this is the adaptation of arthropods, the most evolutionary and successful animals.