Insects, Spiders, and Other Many Legged Creatures >
The most successful animals to have lived on Earth, insects account for half of all known animal species. Estimates for the total amount of insects range from 2 million to 30 million. They owe their success to their body plan and biology. They were the first creatures to develop powered flight and could quickly find mates, food, and other resources quickly and efficiently.
There are around 80, 000 described species of arachnids, which includes the spiders, scorpions, and harvestmen. All arachnids have a segmented body and eight legs. Many spiders utilise silk to capture prey and to extend their sensory system. The majority are unable to ingest sold food and have to digest their prey externally. Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, is thought to occur due to the danger of spiders in our deep evolutionary history.
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