Class Merostomata Flashcards

Study Notes

Class Merostomata Overview

Name derived from Greek: "Mero-" meaning thigh, "Stoma-" meaning mouth, and "-ata" indicating a group classification.
Includes species commonly referred to as horseshoe crabs.

Key Characteristics

Exhibits bilateral symmetry, allowing for symmetrical body structure.
Possesses jointed appendages for improved mobility and functionality.
Features an exoskeleton comprised of cuticle, including proteins, lipids, chitin, and calcium carbonate for protection and structural support.
Lacks antennae, differentiating it from many other arthropods.
Contains a complex muscular system facilitating various movements.
Utilizes an open circulatory system, circulating blood freely throughout the body.
Respiration is achieved through specialized structures known as book gills.

Morphological Features

Equipped with five pairs of legs and a set of claws, aiding in locomotion and feeding.
The mouth is centrally located amidst the legs, optimizing food intake.
Body segmented into a head and thorax (collectively termed cephalothorax) and an abdomen.
Possesses a tail for swimming and maneuvering, including the ability to flip itself upright.

Habitat

Primarily marine organisms, often found in shallow coastal waters.

Life Cycle

Reproductive method is sexual, occurring externally, with fertilization taking place outside the female body.
Young individuals are known as larvae, indicative of their developmental stage.

Human Relevance

Important in laboratories for testing medicines and vaccines.
Blood is unique, appearing blue due to the presence of copper-based hemocyanin for oxygen transport.
They possess compound and simple eyes, enhancing their visual capabilities.

Complexity Level

Classified as having moderate complexity, reflecting their structural and functional nuances.

Relatives

Closely related to arachnids, including spiders and scorpions, highlighting evolutionary connections.

Additional Facts

Males feature one pair of significantly larger claws which they use both for attachment during mating and feeding.
Female claws are generally uniform in size, differing from male morphology.
Commonly found along the east coast of the United States and the Gulf coast of Texas.

Description

Test your knowledge on Class Merostomata with these informative flashcards. Learn about their characteristics, anatomy, and other important features. Perfect for students studying marine biology or taxonomy.