Arthropoda

Arthropoda means "jointed feet".

General characteristics of Arthropods:

• segmentation
• hard exoskeleton: The exoskeleton protects the animal and provides points of attachment for the muscles that move the appendages.
• jointed appendages: This diversifies their body plan; allowing their appendages for walking, feeding, sensory reception, copulation and defense.
• open circulatory system

Phylum Arthropoda comprises of the following subgroups and some major classes:

• Trilobites
  Trilobitomorpha*
• Chelicerates
  • Arachnida
• Uniramia
  • Diplopoda
  • Chilopoda
  • Insecta
• Crustacea

Ar*throp"o*da (#), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. joint + -poda.] Zool.

A large division of Articulata, embracing all those that have jointed legs. It includes Insects, Arachnida, Pychnogonida, and Crustacea.

© Webster 1913.