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Biology / Unit 10   Bio 2271 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Four Arthropod Subphyla

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The idea

Arthropoda divides into four living subphyla: chelicerates, with pincer-like mouthparts and no antennae; myriapods, with many leg-bearing segments; crustaceans, aquatic; and hexapods, insects and their six-legged kin.

In practice

A spider, a chelicerate, lacks antennae entirely, while an insect, a hexapod, carries antennae and exactly six legs.

Where people slip

Antenna presence and leg count, not habitat or size, are the defining criteria separating these four subphyla.

Your place on the trail

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