Why are arthropods such a widely successful group?

Answer 1

Arthropods have bodies that are segmented. Within the body of the segmented worm, rather elaborate and well developed systems of organs are present.

There is a circulatory system with five "aortic arches" which act as a heart to keep the blood moving in the worm.

There is a digestive tract that begins with a prostomium with a mouth, a muscular pharynx, an esophagus, a crop for storage of food, a gizzard for breaking food down (much as a stomach acts in humans) and a small intestine where the nutrients are absorbed into the blood for delivery to cells.

There is a small brain on the dorsal side of the pharynx that connects to the ventral nerve cord that runs the length of the worm.

Worms are also hermaphroditic (have the organs that produce eggs and others which produce sperm).

Answer 2

Arthropods are successful due to their exoskeleton, which provides protection and support, their high reproductive capacity, diverse feeding habits, and ability to adapt to various environments. These characteristics have helped them thrive in almost every habitat on Earth.