Chapter:
Arthropods

Arthropoda is a phylum of invertebrates that includes a diverse array of species, including insects, spiders, crustaceans, and centipedes. Arthropods are characterized by their chitinous exoskeletons, which provide support and protection, and by their jointed appendages, which allow for flexibility and movement. Arthropods are the largest phylum in the animal kingdom and play important roles in many ecosystems, including as pollinators, decomposers, predators, and prey. They have a long evolutionary history and have adapted to a wide range of environments, from the deep sea to deserts and from temperate forests to tropical rainforests. Arthropods have also been important to human societies as a source of food, medicine, and inspiration for art and literature.