Phyla: Arthropoda

By Sandro Iossa Martí

Original NameArthropods (arthropoda): from

greek, ἄρθρον, árthron, means articulate

(or joint) and ποδός, podós, means “foot”.

Features and Most Important Characteristics

Belong to Animalia and contain: Trilobitomorpha, Chelicerata, Myriapoda, Crustacea and Hexapoda.

Invertebrate animals

a. Exoskeleton Segmented body Jointed appendages Limbs and cuticles (exoskeleton) made of chitin 80% of all described living animal species Open circulatory systems Respiratory and Excretory system vary depending on the environment Terrestrial species use internal fertilization, aquatic both internal and external

fertilization

Fossil recordExistence of small arthropods about 541 to 539 million years ago in China mostly Early Cambrian fossil beds.

Sensory SystemSensory organs:

Compound eyes

Antennae

Pheromone

Respiratory System Aquatic arthropods:

gills covered by exoskeleton

Terrestrial arthropods: tracheae, book lungs

Digestive System Mouth-gulet

Stomach

Intestine

Anus