What major taxonomic group do woodlice belong to, unlike insects?
Answer
Crustaceans
Woodlice are commonly mistaken for insects, but scientifically they belong to the broader group known as crustaceans. This classification places them evolutionarily alongside creatures like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. This relationship is fundamental to understanding their history, as terrestrial woodlice represent an ancient evolutionary transition of sea creatures moving onto dry land. The key aspect of their crustacean lineage is that their respiratory structures, even in their terrestrial form, retain a strong physiological link to their aquatic origins.
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