echinoderms Flashcards
What is the most distinguishing arthropod characteristic?
The most important characteristic that separates Arthropods from other
animal phyla is the presence of an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton is made
up protein bound to chitin, and serves as protection and support.
Also, this phylum was the first to develop jointed appendages (what they
are named after).
Explain the advantage of having appendages with joints.
Having a paired and jointed appendages provides great for flexibility,
mobility, and range of motion.
List three (3) functions of an arthropod exoskeleton.
The exoskeleton provides support and protection, attachment for muscles,
and can sometimes have a waxy layer making them waterproof
What are compound eyes?
Compound eyes are eyes consisting of hundreds to thousands of small
lenses tightly packed that detect motion
Why must arthropods molt?
They must molt their exoskeletons in order to grow
Of what substances is the exoskeleton of an arthropod composed?
The exoskeleton is made up proteins bound to chitin, secreted by the
epidermis.
Name the three distinct body regions of arthropods.
The three body regions of an arthropod are the head, thorax, and abdomen
What is a cephalothorax?
A cephalothorax is the fusion of the head and thorax region.
From what animal group did arthropods probably evolve? What evidence would
support this?
Arthropods likely evolved from Annelids. This is thought to be true
because of their similarities in their segmented bodies.
List three adaptations that have evolved in arthropods.
Paired, jointed appendages.
An exoskeleton.
Wings (for the first time).
Name and describe the two body sections of most crustaceans.
Cephalothorax - Fused head and chest areas which attach legs and
appendages, covered by hard shell called carapace
Abdomen - Long narrow tail region divided into segments
What is the function of the Malpighian tubules?
The Malpighian tubules are used to get rid of metabolic wastes
(nitrogenous wastes) and filter wastes from bodily fluids.
Explain the main difference between complete metamorphosis and
incomplete metamorphosis.
In incomplete metamorphosis, the immature insect known as
a nymph has a similar structure and appearance to the adult,
but is just smaller and lacks wings or reproductive organs.
In complete metamorphosis, the larval stage has a different
structure and appearance, still needing to develop and form
new features. In this transformation the larva looks
completely different then the fully developed adult.
