Niveljalkaisia

Niveljalkaisia is a Finnish term that translates to "arthropods" in English. Arthropods constitute the largest phylum of the kingdom Animalia, characterized by their segmented bodies, exoskeletons, and jointed appendages. This incredibly diverse group includes insects, arachnids, crustaceans, and myriapods.

The defining features of arthropods are their chitinous exoskeleton, which provides protection and support, and their segmented bodies. These segments are often grouped into distinct regions, such as the head, thorax, and abdomen in insects. The exoskeleton is periodically shed through a process called molting to allow for growth. Their limbs are jointed, enabling a wide range of movements and adaptations for various lifestyles, from walking and swimming to flying and burrowing.

Arthropods inhabit virtually every environment on Earth, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains and arid deserts. Their ecological roles are vast, encompassing roles as herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, detritivores, and parasites. Many arthropods are crucial pollinators, while others are important food sources for other animals. Their economic impact is also significant, with insects and crustaceans being vital for agriculture and human consumption, though some species can be considered pests. The study of arthropods is known as arachnology for spiders and scorpions, entomology for insects, and carcinology for crustaceans.