Marine Arthropod Facts and Examples

Marine Arthropod Facts and Examples Arthropods are animals in the Phylum Arthropoda, a very diverse group of organisms that includes insects, crabs, lobsters, scorpions, and centipedes. Characteristics of Arthropods: All arthropods have: Jointed legs, making them quick-moving organismsA segmented bodyA hard exoskeleton made of a strong polysaccharide called chitin. This hard shell helps protect the animal and retains moisture. Classification: Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: Arthropoda Habitat and Distribution: Arthropods are found in habitats all over the world - dry land, fresh water, and salt water. In the ocean, they can live from coastal habitats like sandy beaches and intertidal areas all the way to the deep sea. Reproduction: Most arthropods reproduce sexually, through internal fertilization. In many arthropods, such as crabs, you can see eggs attached to the abdomen. Marine Examples of Arthropods: Examples of marine arthropods: LobstersCrabs (e.g., green crab, spider crab, hermit crab)Horseshoe crabsSea spidersBarnaclesCopepodIsopodsAmphipodsSkeleton shrimp