What is a arthropods?

Question

please tell me what a arthropods is , its part of my biology homework

Answer 1

Arthropods are a large group of animals that have jointed appendages and an external skeleton.  They include insects, crustaceans like crabs and lobsters, arachnids like spiders, mites and scorpions.  There are several other lesser known groups.

A more precise definition exists at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthropod

Answer 2

What separates Arthropods from all other invertebrates is that they ALL have exoskeletons.  An exoskeleton is a shell-like skin that covers and protects the internal organs and muscles of the animal.  This "outside" skeleton does not grow, and therefore, must be shed occasionally as the internal body grows.  The skin is disposed of at the time when the animal has grown too large to fit within it any longer, and this skin cracks open and the animal crawls out and must remain still for a period of time until the new skin hardens.  At this time they are very vulnerable to predators because they are weak, soft, and helpless.

Arthropods are animals like Insects, Crabs, Lobsters, Ticks, Mites, Spiders, Scorpions, Sun Spiders, Crayfish, Shrimp, Krill, Fleas, Lice, Harvestmen, Pill Bugs, and others. Some are so small you can hardly see them with the naked eye.  I believe the largest Arthropod on the Earth is a species of Lobster which can get quit large.

I'm happy to know you're taking Biology.  I sure hope you're enjoying it as much as I did.  If you ever have any other Biology questions, please do not hesitate to email me and I'll be more than happy to help you out if I can.

Be well.

Answer 3

any member of a large group if invertebrate animals(no backbone) with joined legs and a segmented body as the shrimp, crabs, lobsters, & barnacles, (crustaceans),  arachnid - four pairs of legs and a body usually divided into two segments such as spiders, scorpions, & mites. Myriapods such as centipedes.  these are what arthropods are.

Answer 4

An Arthropod is a group classification assigned to organisms in the animal kingdom under Phylum Arthropoda. Arthropods have segmented bodies and hollow jointed legs and are made up of spiders, insects and crustaceans. Arthropods are also invertebrates ie; they have no backbone or spinal column.