Questions and Answers
Which animals are included in Malacostraca?
What is the Malacostraca habitat?
All marine environments, also colonized freshwater and terrestrial habitats.
Malacostraca have EITHER: a head, thorax, and abdomen OR a __________ and an abdomen.
cephalothorax
How many legs do Malacostraca have?
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Malacostraca walking legs are attached at the __________.
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What are the Malacostraca walking legs used for?
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What are the Malacostraca pleopods used for?
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How are the Malacostraca cheliped different from other legs?
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Malacostraca eyes are simple.
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How many pairs of antennae do Malacostraca have?
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Which body part on the Malacostraca head is smaller -- the antennae or the antennules?
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What is the function of the Malacostraca tail fan?
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Where is the Malacostraca telson located?
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Malacostraca is the largest of the six classes of crustaceans, and includes _________ of all crustaceans.
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What is another name for Malacostraca swimmerets?
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Most Malacostraca are what kind of eaters?
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Study Notes
Malacostraca Overview
- Includes crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, krill, woodlice, and other less familiar animals.
- Represents the largest class among crustaceans, accounting for two-thirds of all crustacean species.
Habitat
- Found in all marine environments.
- Successfully colonized freshwater and terrestrial habitats.
Body Structure
- Malacostraca can have either a head, thorax, and abdomen configuration, or a cephalothorax (fused head and thorax) with an abdomen.
- Possess at least five pairs of legs.
Legs and Functionality
- Walking legs are attached to the thorax and are primarily used for walking rather than swimming.
- Chelipeds are a specialized pair of legs ending in large claws for grasping.
Swimming and Other Appendages
- Pleopods, or swimmerets, are tiny legs attached to the abdomen, aiding in swimming.
- They possess compound eyes for better vision.
Sensory Organs
- Malacostraca have two pairs of antennae: one pair is larger (antennae) and the other smaller (antennules).
Tail Structure
- The tail fan allows rapid propulsion for escaping predators when flexed.
- The telson is the central section of the tail fan.
Feeding Habits
- Most species are scavengers, playing a vital role in the ecosystem by recycling nutrients.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the class Malacostraca with these flashcards. Explore the various animals, habitats, and body segment structures within this diverse group. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of marine biology.
