Myriapods

Question 1

Common features

Answer 1

2 tagmata and relatively simple
Respiratory system comprised of series of tubules with single opening - like spiders
1. Air through spiracles
2. Moves through tubules by diffusion and contraction
3. Reaches haemolymph
-can lose water via spiracles, so found in damp places
Malpighian tubules

Question 2

Centipedes

Answer 2

Head and trunk - little differentiation in trunk
Dorsoventrally flattened
Legs project out of side
Antennae on head
Well-developed poison claw - maxilliped on head
Predacious - maxilliped used in catching and subduing prey
Can reach 30cm long

Question 3

Millipedes

Answer 3

Head and trunk
Antennae very reduced
More rounded body -legs dangle from bottom
Segments have been joined together so have 2 pairs of walking legs on each
Don’t have poison claw
Feed on plant or decaying material
Vulnerable to predators but emit nasty chemicals
-cyanide gas and other chemicals
-released from repugnatorial gland