Notes: Characteristics unique to insects among invertebrates: 1. Three pairs of jointed legs (hexapody) 2. Segmented body (tagmata: head, thorax, abdomen) 3. Exoskeleton (chitin-based cuticle) 4. Ventral nervous system Other options: a) Segmented body: Found in annelids (worms), arthropods (insects, crustaceans, arachnids). b) Antennae: Present in some arthropods (insects, crustaceans), but not exclusive. c) Wings: Exclusive to insects, but not all insects have wings (e.g., apterygota). Insect c

What is biodiversity? Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the great variety of life forms on earth. Here, we focus on protecting amphibian and reptile biodiversity. This includes the vast diversity of reptiles and amphibians, from tiny chorus frogs to huge turtles, and the resources they need to survive and thrive. The continental United States is home to over 450 amphibian and reptile species with the greatest concentrations in the southeastern part of the country. This area is als