Arthropod Anatomy and Lifecycle Quiz

Study Notes

Phylum Arthropoda

Characterized by a hard, protective protein covering of the body called an exoskeleten.
This covering is made of chitin and provides protection and support for the animal.
Examples of arthropods: insects, spiders, crustaceans, and centipedes.

Class Insecta

Insects have a 3-part body.
Head: Contains sensory organs and mouthparts.
Thorax: Contains legs and wings (if present).
Abdomen: Contains the digestive, reproductive, and excretory systems.
Insects can have 0-2 pairs of wings.
Wings are important for flight, but some insects have lost their wings over time.

Arthropods with Parasitic Habits

Some arthropods spend part of their life cycle feeding on a host.
These arthropods are often parasitic and may suck blood from their host.
Examples: Ticks, mites, lice.
Many parasitic arthropods are vectors of disease.

Molting

Molting is the process of shedding the outer covering (exoskeleton) of the arthropod to grow.
The old exoskeleton is shed and a new one is formed underneath.
Molting is necessary for arthropods to grow, as their exoskeletons do not grow with them.

Copulatory Appendages

Copulatory appendages are specialized structures on the abdomen of arthropods used for mating.
These appendages help to transfer sperm from the male to the female.
The structure of the copulatory appendages varies between different species.

Description

Test your knowledge of arthropod anatomy and lifecycles with this quiz. Explore the varied adult morphology, including jointed legs, wings, and body parts, as well as the reproductive processes and lifecycle stages of these fascinating creatures.