All About Arthropods

#ngscience #arthropods #classification Arthropods, encompassing over 80% of all known animal species, represent the most diverse and populous animal group on Earth. This remarkable group has adapted to inhabit virtually every environment, from the deepest oceanic trenches to the driest deserts and lush tropical rainforests. Their incredible diversity includes a vast array of forms, ranging from aquatic crustaceans like crabs, shrimp, and lobsters, to terrestrial insects, spiders, ticks, and millipedes. One of the defining features of arthropods is their exoskeleton, composed of chitin. This hard outer covering provides support and protection for the animal's body, aiding in the prevention of water loss—a crucial advantage for survival in various habitats. The exoskeleton's rigidity necessitates a jointed structure to facilitate movement, leading to the segmented, often highly specialized limbs observed in these animals. These adaptations allow arthropods to perform