Questions and Answers
Which arthropoda are included in the Diplopoda Class?
Millipedes
Where do sutures appear on the Diplopoda?
Between body segments
How many pairs of legs are on most segments of Diplopoda?
2
Do millipedes (Diplopoda) really have a thousand legs, like their name implies?
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What kind of eaters are Diplopoda?
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What are the three main Diplopoda defense mechanisms?
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How are the exoskeletons of Chilopodas and Diplopodas different from other arthropods?
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Diplopoda have a minimum of how many body segments?
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Diplopoda have a single pair of __________________ antennae.
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Do Diplopoda have simple or compound eyes?
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What is the habitat of a Diplopoda?
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What pattern do the legs of Diplopoda follow as they walk?
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How do diplosegments in Diplopoda differ from segments in Chilopoda?
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What do Diplopoda have at the tips of their antennae?
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How many species of Diplopoda have been discovered?
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Are Diplopoda legs all the same length?
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Diplopoda are described as elongated, ______________________ creatures.
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The first body segment behind a Diplopoda's head is legless and called a....
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Even though most Diplopoda body segments have 2 pairs of legs, the first body segment has none, and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th have?
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What is the name for the body segments on a Diplopoda that only have 1 pair of legs instead of 2?
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Which has longer antennae - Chilopoda or Diplopoda?
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What are the most important contributions of Diplopoda to our environment?
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Lay from -_ eggs at a time.
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Do most Diplopoda mothers stay with their eggs to protect them or abandon them?
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Study Notes
Class Diplopoda Overview
- Diplopoda includes millipedes, characterized by elongated bodies and numerous legs.
- Most Diplopoda display distinct sutures between their body segments.
Anatomy and Physiology
- Most segments contain two pairs of legs due to the fusion of two segments, leading to a typical appearance of 80 legs.
- While their name suggests a thousand legs, no species possesses this many; the longest species has about 750 legs.
- Diplopoda possess a single pair of filiform antennae equipped with sensory organs at the tips.
Habitat and Behavior
- They thrive in humid environments and occupy almost all terrestrial habitats, avoiding dry areas due to a lack of a waxy exoskeleton layer.
- Natural habitats include deciduous forest floors, leaf litter, and dead wood.
Defense Mechanisms
- Defense strategies include curling into a tight ball, burrowing, and secreting protective chemicals from body pores.
Vision and Locomotion
- They have simple eyes (ocelli) arranged in patches on either side of the head, which help with motion and spatial awareness.
- As they walk, their legs tend to move in a wave-like pattern.
Body Structure
- The trunk consists of diplosegments where two segments are fused, leading to pairs of legs per body segment, unlike Chilopoda, which possess one.
- The first body segment, or collum, is legless, while the second, third, and fourth segments have one pair of legs each (haplosegments).
Reproduction and Growth
- Diplopoda lay between 10 and 300 eggs at a time and typically abandon them after laying.
- Over 12,000 species of Diplopoda have been documented, showcasing their diversity.
Ecological Role
- They are vital as detritivores, consuming decaying matter and contributing to nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
- Diplopoda serve as an essential food source for many reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of Diplopoda, commonly known as millipedes. This quiz covers their anatomy, habitat, defense mechanisms, and distinct features such as their numerous legs and sensory antennae. Delve into the unique adaptations that allow these creatures to thrive in various environments.
