Arthropod
An invertebrate animal with an exoskeleton, segmented body, and jointed appendages. Arthropods include insects, spiders, crustaceans, and centipedes—over 80% of all known animal species.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 2 chapters:
"...te modularity at the level of development and body plan organization. Animals with bilateral symmetry (the vast majority of animal species, including arthropods, mollusks, annelids, and vertebrates) share a common body plan: a head-to-tail axis with segmented or regionalized structures."
"That leaf litter enters the detrital loop: fungi and bacteria decompose it, releasing nutrients; earthworms and arthropods consume fungi and bacteria; predators (ground beetles, shrews, salamanders) consume detritivores. The detrital loop supports as much or more biomass ..."
Biological Context
Arthropods are the most successful animal phylum by species count and biomass. Their exoskeleton provides protection and prevents water loss but requires molting for growth. Compound eyes, diverse mouthparts, and varied locomotion enable exploitation of nearly every habitat.
Business Application
Arthropod organizations: highly successful, modular, segment-based structures. Franchise systems, chain stores, and standardized business units operate arthropod-style—repeating successful segments with hard external boundaries but jointed flexibility.