Description
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement is not intended.
Context:
Wildlife researcher Chris Ketola shared a video which shows a tarantula infected by zombie fungus.
Tarantulas
- They are a kind of large and hairy spider.
- Like all arthropods, the tarantula is an invertebrate that relies on an exoskeleton for muscular support.
- Scientific name: Theraphosidae.
- They are found all across the world except for Antarctica.
- There are over 900 sub species of the tarantulas.
- They have eight hairy legs.
- They are nocturnal predators.
- Size:
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- Adult- average five inches (13 centimeters) long.
- When spread out, their leg span is up to 11 inches (28 centimeters).
Zombie fungus:
- Scientific name: Ophiocordyceps unilateralis.
- It drains its host entirely of nutrients.
- It infuses the host body with spores and the fungus to reproduce within the host.
- It then seizes the host’s mind and motor functions then eats away its body.
- The fungus is largely found in tropics and mostly infects carpenter ants.
Arthropods are invertebrates with jointed legs and an exoskeleton.
They have several other characteristics, including:
●Segmented bodies: Arthropods have segmented bodies that are divided into a head, thorax, and abdomen.
●Jointed appendages: Arthropods have jointed appendages that help them move, feed, and sense their surroundings.
●Chitin exoskeleton: Arthropods have an exoskeleton made of chitin, a long-chained carbohydrate derived from glucose.
●Open circulatory system: Arthropods have an open circulatory system and a coelomic cavity filled with blood.
●Malpighian tubules: Terrestrial arthropods use Malpighian tubules to excrete, which helps them conserve water.
Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended
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Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/nightmarish-video-of-tarantula-infected-by-zombie-fungus-goes-viral-burn-it-with-fire-101725078466429.html
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Q. Consider the following statements about Tarantulas recently seen in news
- They are arthropods found all across the world except for Antarctica.
- There is only one species of Tarantula
- They are diurnal in nature.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Ans: A
Explanation:
Tarantulas
- They are a kind of large and hairy spider.
- Like all arthropods, the tarantula is an invertebrate that relies on an exoskeleton for muscular support.
- Scientific name: Theraphosidae.
- They are found all across the world except for Antarctica.( Sox, statement 1 is correct)
- There are over 900 sub species of the tarantulas.( So, statement 2 is incorrect)
- They have eight hairy legs.
- They are nocturnal predators.( so, statement 3 is incorrect)
- Size:
-
- Adult- average five inches (13 centimetres) long.
- When spread out, their leg span is up to 11 inches (28 centimetres).
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