Phylum Arthropoda:
Arthropoda means "jointed feet".
General characteristics of Arthropods:
- segmentation
- hard exoskeleton: The exoskeleton protects the animal and provides points of attachment for the muscles that move the appendages.
- jointed appendages: This diversifies their body plan; allowing their appendages for walking, feeding, sensory reception, copulation and defense.
- open circulatory system
Phylum Arthropoda comprises of the following subgroups and some major classes:
Crustacea
*added by LadySun