Arthropod Alert!
Arthropod Lab-PAP Bio-Ms.Vu
Arthopoda
Arthropods constitute over 90% of the animal kingdom and are classified in the phylum Arthropoda. They are distinguished from other animals by having an exoskeleton, jointed legs and appendages, and bilateral symmetry.
Objective
Students will examine two arthropods (grasshopper and crayfish) and look for similarities that may be a phylum trait. Also look for differences in the two animals that may be class traits.
Habitat
Arthropods occur in virtually every habitat, from the cold ocean depths to the hottest deserts. They can live through extremes that would kill most vertebrates.
Predators
Predators of arthropods include reptiles, other arthropods, and even humans!
Lifecycle
While not all arthropods have the exact same lifecycle, almost all do lay eggs and begin as larva.
Crayfish Dissection!
Crayfish Dissection
External Anatomy
Crayfish
Head, Thorax, Abdomen, Tail, Legs, Antenna, Claws, Tail, Eyes, and Swimmerets.
Grasshopper
Head, Antenna, Thorax, Abdomen, Legs, Wings, and Eyes.
Ant
Head, Thorax, Abdomen, Feeder, Pincher, Stinger, Poison Sack, Claws, and Eyes.
Theres invertebrate animals have exoskeletons consisting of a segmented body and jointed appendages. These appendages are mostly made of chitin. Since an exoskeleton cannot stretch, arthropods must replace their exoskeleton by moulting when they grow. The main purpose of an exoskeleton is to protect to animals soft insides.