Question

Select from the following the total number of organism that belongs to phylum arthropoda. Locust, Butterfty, Scorpion, Prawn, Salpa, doliolums, Pila, Chiton, Antedon, Hyla, Myxine, Locust, Loligo, Culex, Cucumaria, Cuttle fish. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 8 (d) 12

Short answer

None of the given options is correct. The number of organisms that belong to the Phylum Arthropoda in the provided list is 5.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Organisms in the Phylum Arthropoda

Arthropoda is a phylum of invertebrates which includes organisms with jointed appendages and segmented body like insects, spiders, and crustaceans. So we need to find out which organisms from the list provided belongs to this category.

Listing down the Organisms in the Phylum Arthropoda

From the provided list, the following organisms belong to the Phylum Arthropoda: Locust, Butterfly, Scorpion, Prawn, and Culex (a genus of mosquito). Locust is mentioned twice.

Count the number of Organisms in the Phylum Arthropoda

From the identification in the previous step, we have five distinct organisms: Locust, Butterfly, Scorpion, Prawn and Culex. Therefore, the answer is 5.

Key concepts

Jointed Appendages

Jointed appendages are a significant feature of organisms belonging to the Phylum Arthropoda. These appendages, which can include legs, antennae, and mouthparts, give arthropods their distinct mobility and versatility. Unlike stiff limbs, jointed appendages allow for a range of motion and adaptability, crucial for various activities such as walking, flying, or capturing prey.

Jointed appendages consist of segments connected by joints, enabling these creatures to manipulate their environment effectively. This evolutionary development is vital because it supports their ability to inhabit diverse ecological niches. For example, insects like the locust have legs equipped for jumping, whereas crustaceans such as prawns have appendages suited for swimming.

Overall, jointed appendages are a remarkable adaptation that helps define the unique abilities and ecological roles of arthropods.

Invertebrates

Invertebrates are animals that lack a backbone or spinal column. Phylum Arthropoda, one of the largest groups within this category, includes a vast array of creatures ranging from insects to crustaceans.

The absence of a backbone is compensated by other structural adaptations, such as exoskeletons and flexible body plans. Arthropods, for instance, possess a hard exoskeleton made of chitin, providing protection and support. This is crucial for maintaining their body structure in the absence of internal skeletons.

Invertebrates represent a vast portion of Earth's biodiversity. They play essential roles in ecosystems, acting as pollinators, decomposers, and a vital part of the food web. Understanding invertebrates helps us appreciate the complexity and diversity of life that thrives without internal skeletons.

Organism Classification

Organism classification is a system used to organize living organisms into hierarchical categories based on shared characteristics. Phylum Arthropoda is a major classification within the animal kingdom. It groups organisms like insects, arachnids, and crustaceans, all of which share common traits such as jointed appendages and segmented bodies.

Classification helps scientists communicate about organisms more effectively and understand evolutionary relationships. By grouping organisms, like those in Phylum Arthropoda, we can infer a shared evolutionary history and study their adaptations more deeply.

Organism classification is essential not only for scientific study but also for conservation efforts, allowing us to identify and protect diverse species and their habitats.

Segmented Body

The segmented body is another distinctive feature of arthropods. This structure implies that the body is divided into repeating units, which can vary in number and function among different arthropod groups.

Each segment of an arthropod can house specific organs or appendages, contributing to the animal's functional specialization. For example, a typical insect body is divided into the head, thorax, and abdomen, with each section having particular roles and structures.

This segmentation allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in movement, as well as specialization in function. By separating different bodily functions into distinct segments, arthropods can excel in various environments, whether it's a butterfly flying gracefully or a scorpion hunting stealthily.

To conclude, segmentation is a fundamental feature that enhances the arthropods' ability to adapt and thrive in numerous habitats.