Which defining characteristics place *Pieris rapae* in the Phylum Arthropoda?
Answer
Segmented bodies, jointed appendages, and an exoskeleton.
The Phylum Arthropoda is one of the largest groups in the animal kingdom, defined by several key structural features. Organisms within this phylum, including *Pieris rapae*, possess segmented bodies, which allows for specialized functions across the organism. Crucially, they possess jointed appendages, such as legs and antennae, which facilitate movement and interaction with the environment. Finally, the presence of a hard, external cuticle known as an exoskeleton is a hallmark feature providing both protection and structural support to these invertebrates.
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