Arthropoda
Classification: Arthropoda is under the classification of Ecdysozoa. Ecdysozoa is a group of protosome animals, and is a major group within the animal kingdom. Arthropoda also has other classification in groups under it; such as, Arachnida (spiders), Crustacea (crabs), Merostoma (horseshoe crabs), Diplopoda (millipedes), Chilopoda (cetipedes), and Insecta or Hexopoda (insects). The full classification of Arthropoda is as follows:
· Kingdom Animalia o Phylum Arthropoda o Superclass Trilobitomorpha (Trilobita) Diversity: Arthropods include many diverse groups (like the ones stated above; insects, crustaceans, spider, scorpions, centipedes, and millipedes). There are more species in Arthropoda phylum than in all of the other phyla combined, and is probably in the numbers of hundreds of thousands. By studying the diversity of arthropoda, scientists are able to gain further insight into the characteristics of other habitats, such as plants. Life History: The first arthropods that were discovered appeared in the sea, were called trilobites, and were all marine. With exceptions in the few numbers, the majority of arthropods have separate sexes, both male and female. The paired sex organs, or gonads, of each sex are connected directly to ducts that open onto the ventral surface of the trunk, the precise location depending on the group the arthropod belongs to. In the aspect of reproduction, male Arthropods’ sperm is commonly transferred to the female with sealed packets called spermatophores. The sperm is not diluted by the surroundings, nor does it suffer from rapid desiccation on land. The process of growth and development for Arthropods is called ontogeny. During the growth period the animal loses the exoskeleton, grows and develops a new exoskeleton. This process is named ecdysis, or molting. Ecological Roles: Arthropods, and the environment they are in, are of very large importance to the world and how it functions. Because the grouping is so large, they make up more than 80% of all named species of animals. Another effect of Arthropods taking up the majority of species is that they are responsible for harming and helping humans. They are responsible for transmitting bacteria or viruses, but also are a nutritious source of food in many parts of the world, and also are used for the process of pollination. Human Impact: Because human population in the world grew, the need for food increased, and the previous existing balance between humans, plants, and animals could no longer be upheld. Land then became widely used for commercial farming and grew to be a very important as a source of crops and vegetation, disrupting the habitats of most arthropods. When these Arthropods go to find habitat somewhere else to migrate to, they return and have to adapt to the environment that humanity has provided. The arthropods had enough food supply for all of them, but this became a problem for farmers. Bees, wasps, and locusts were aggressive when humans tried to drive then away from their new habitats. It was found that arthropods were actually useful, and that 29 species of insects are responsible for pollination so they are not all bad news. Pollination is a huge part of agriculture so it was good to have arthropods around in their natural habitat to help fertilize the crops. By Elana Bravo |