Characteristics of Arthopods
Arthropods are invertebrates that have an exoskeleton and jointed legs. Members of this phylum are found everywhere on Earth. They live in rain forests, in deserts, in the soil, at the bottom of the ocean, in your home, and even on your body! With over 1 million different species, arthropods are the larger than all the other animal phyla combined.
Arthropods range in size from the microscopic water flea to the huge spider crab that grows more than 3 m (12ft) in diameter. They come in many shapes and colors. Some are easily visible: others are camouflaged so well it is hard to finde them.
Although there is quite a bit of variation in arthropods, they share serveral common features.
Characteristics of Arthropods
- A segmented body
- An exoskeleton
- Pairs of jointed legs
- Most have eyes and one or more pairs of antennae
Arthropods are divided into several smaller groups, or classes. Classes of arthropods include crustaceans, arachnids, millipedes, centipedes, and insects.
