Artrópodos

Artrópodos are members of the phylum Arthropoda, the largest phylum in the animal kingdom. They are characterized by their segmented bodies, a tough exoskeleton made of chitin, and jointed appendages. This exoskeleton provides protection and support, but it must be shed periodically through a process called molting to allow for growth. The segmented body is typically divided into three main parts: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen, though in some groups, these may be fused.

Jointed appendages are a defining feature and are highly adapted for various functions, including locomotion, feeding, sensing, and reproduction. Artrópodos inhabit virtually every environment on Earth, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, and are found in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats. Their diversity is immense, encompassing insects, arachnids (spiders, scorpions, mites, ticks), crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimp), and myriapods (centipedes, millipedes).

The success of artrópodos is attributed to several key factors, including their exoskeleton, their segmented bodies allowing for specialization of body parts, and their jointed appendages. These adaptations have enabled them to exploit a wide range of ecological niches. They play crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, prey for other animals, and sometimes as pests or disease vectors. Their fossil record is extensive, indicating a long evolutionary history dating back to the Cambrian period.