Arthropoda
- Pronunciation
- /ahr-THROP-uh-duh/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Arthropod
- Plural
- Arthropods
Definition
A phylum of invertebrate animals that have an exoskeleton, segmented body, and jointed appendages, including insects, arachnids, myriapods, and crustaceans.
Etymology
From Greek 'arthro-', meaning 'joint', and 'pous', meaning 'foot'.
Example
Insects, spiders, and crabs all belong to the phylum Arthropoda.
Synonyms
- Joint-footed animals
Related Terms
- Invertebrate
- Exoskeleton
- Segmented body
Usage Notes
Arthropoda is the largest phylum in the animal kingdom, encompassing diverse species adapted to a wide range of environments.