Arthropods

Arthropods are a large and diverse group of invertebrate animals that includes insects, spiders, crabs, lobsters, and many other species. They are characterized by their joint appendages, exoskeletons, and segmented bodies. Arthropods make up a large portion of the animal kingdom and can be found in almost every habitat on Earth.

Insects, which are a type of arthropod, are the most diverse group of animals on the planet, with over a million known species. Some common examples of insects include ants, beetles, butterflies, and bees. Spiders are another type of arthropod, known for their ability to spin webs to catch prey. There are over 45,000 known species of spiders, found in a variety of habitats including forests, deserts, and grasslands. Other well-known arthropods include crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters, which are found in both freshwater and marine environments, and millipedes and centipedes, which are found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and deserts.

Arthropods have a wide range of ecological roles, including pollination, decomposition, and serving as a food source for other animals. They are an important part of many ecosystems and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature.