What is the subphylum Hexapoda?
Q: What is the subphylum Hexapoda?
A: The subphylum Hexapoda is the largest group of arthropods that includes the insects and three smaller groups without wings.
Q: What are the three smaller groups included in the subphylum Hexapoda?
A: The three smaller groups included in the subphylum Hexapoda are Collembola, Protura, and Diplura.
Q: Were all these groups once called insects?
A: Yes, all these groups were once called insects.
Q: What does polyphyletic mean in the context of Hexapoda?
A: In the context of Hexapoda, polyphyletic means that the group is composed of the insects and the three smaller groups that evolved independently from each other.
Q: Why are hexapods called so?
A: Hexapods are called so because they have a thorax with three pairs of legs.
Q: What is meant by incertae sedis?
A: Incertae sedis is a Latin term meaning "of uncertain placement" used for a taxonomic group when its broader relationships are unknown or undefined.
Q: How can the Hexapoda be eliminated?
A: The Hexapoda can be eliminated because they are polyphyletic, the Insecta promoted to sub-phylum, and the minor groups become incertae sedis.
