Have you ever stopped to wonder why a beetle isn’t classified in the same phylum as humans? It may seem odd, yet there’s a surprising answer to this question that is rooted in the basics of animal phyla.
In this article, we’ll explore why a beetle is not considered part of the Phylum Chordata and why it’s beneficial that it’s classified as an Arthropod instead.
We’ll take a closer look at the key differences between the two phyla, and why beetles belong to the Kingdom Animalia.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of why a beetle isn’t in the same phylum as humans.
So, let’s dive in and answer this intriguing question!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
A beetle is not in the phylum Chordata because it does not have a notochord, which is a defining feature of the phylum.
Additionally, beetles lack a true vertebral column, which all animals of the Chordata phylum possess.
Furthermore, beetles lack gills, another trait of the Chordata phylum, and they do not possess a central nervous system.
Lastly, beetles have an exoskeleton, whereas animals in the Chordata phylum have an endoskeleton.
The Basics of Animal Phyla
When it comes to understanding the classification of animals, it is important to understand the basics of animal phyla.
Animal phyla are the highest level of classification of animals, and they help us to better understand the differences between various organisms.
In general, there are eight major animal phyla, which are Chordata, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Annelida, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, Echinodermata, and Cnidaria.
Each of these phyla contains a variety of different organisms that share similar characteristics, and each of these phyla can be further divided into classes, orders, families, genera, and species.
So, why is a beetle not in the phylum Chordata? The answer lies in the characteristics that different phyla possess.
Members of the Chordata phylum possess a spinal cord, while members of the Arthropoda phylum have an exoskeleton and jointed appendages.
As beetles possess an exoskeleton and jointed legs, this is why they are classified as Arthropods and not Chordata.
What is Phylum Chordata?
Phylum Chordata is one of the major groups of animals that make up the animal kingdom.
It is a diverse group that includes such familiar creatures as humans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and some mammals.
This group of animals is characterized by the presence of a notochord, a flexible rod of cartilage that runs along the length of the body and is present in the embryo.
This rod is the basis for the development of the spine and other skeletal structures, which are important for locomotion and other bodily functions.
Other features of Chordata include a segmented brain and a heart with two or more chambers.
Fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds all have gills or lungs for breathing.
Mammals, on the other hand, have lungs only and are the only animals in this group that give birth to live young.
What is Phylum Arthropoda?
Phylum Arthropoda is an incredibly diverse group that includes more than 1 million species of animals, and is the largest and most diverse phylum of animals on Earth.
It includes insects, arachnids, crustaceans, and millipedes.
All members of this phylum have an exoskeleton, or a hard outer shell, and jointed appendages.
This exoskeleton is made of chitin, a strong but flexible material that protects them from the environment and predators, and helps them move.
Additionally, most arthropods have a segmented body, with different segments or sections that are connected by flexible joints.
This allows them to move in a variety of ways, such as walking, swimming, and flying.
Key Difference Between Chordata and Arthropoda
The key difference between Chordata and Arthropoda is that members of the Chordata phylum have a spinal cord, while members of the Arthropoda phylum have an exoskeleton and jointed appendages.
This is why beetles, which are members of the Insecta class in the Arthropoda phylum, are not in the Chordata phylum.
The spinal cord, found in the Chordata phylum, is a bundle of nerve cells that runs along the back of the organism and helps control movement and coordination.
It is also responsible for sensory input, allowing organisms in this phylum to sense the environment around them.
Other characteristics of Chordata include a notochord, gill slits, and a muscular tail.
In contrast, the Arthropoda phylum is characterized by an exoskeleton and jointed appendages.
The exoskeleton is a hard outer covering of the organism that protects it and helps it move.
It is made up of cuticle and chitin, which is a tough, fibrous material.
Arthropods also have jointed appendages, such as legs, antennae, and claws, which allow them to move around and interact with their environment.
Beetles belong to the Insecta class in the Arthropoda phylum, which is why they are not in the Chordata phylum.
They have an exoskeleton and jointed legs, which are characteristics of Arthropods, but they do not have a spinal cord, which is a characteristic of Chordata.
This is why beetles are not in the Chordata phylum.
Despite this, beetles are still members of the Animalia kingdom, which means they share some similarities with the Chordata phylum, such as the ability to move and sense their environment.
Beetles Belong to the Kingdom Animalia
Beetles are one of the most abundant creatures on earth, with an estimated 350,000 species, and they all belong to the kingdom Animalia.
Animalia is a major group of living organisms that includes all vertebrates, such as mammals, birds, and fish, as well as invertebrates, such as insects, worms, and snails.
Within Animalia, beetles are classified as Insecta, which is a class of arthropods that includes about a million species of insects.
Arthropods are invertebrates with segmented bodies, jointed appendages, and an exoskeleton, or external skeleton.
Arthropods are the most diverse group of animals, making up the majority of the Animalia kingdom.
The key difference between Chordata and Arthropoda is that members of Chordata have a spinal cord, while Arthropods have an exoskeleton and jointed appendages.
Beetles have an exoskeleton and jointed legs, which is why they are classified as Arthropods and not Chordata.
Why Beetles Are Not in Phylum Chordata
For centuries, scientists have been trying to understand the complexities of the animal kingdom.
One of the most fascinating mysteries is why beetles are not included in the phylum Chordata.
After all, beetles belong to the kingdom Animalia, just like mammals, birds, and other creatures that are in the Chordata phylum.
So why is a beetle not in Chordata?
The answer lies in the differences between the two phyla.
The Chordata phylum includes animals with a spinal cord, while the Arthropoda phylum includes animals with an exoskeleton and jointed appendages.
Beetles are members of the Insecta class, which is in the Arthropoda phylum.
This means that beetles have an exoskeleton and jointed legs, which is why they are classified as Arthropods and not Chordata.
In addition to the physical differences between the two phyla, there are also behavioral differences.
Members of the Chordata phylum rely on their spinal cord to help them move, while members of the Arthropoda phylum rely on their exoskeleton and jointed appendages.
This means that beetles have a different way of moving than other animals in the Chordata phylum.
Beetles also have a different diet than other animals in the Chordata phylum.
Beetles are omnivorous, meaning they eat a variety of foods, including plants, insects, and fungi.
On the other hand, animals in the Chordata phylum tend to have a more specialized diet, usually consisting of either plants or meat.
Another difference between the two phyla is in their reproductive strategies.
Members of the Chordata phylum usually reproduce through internal fertilization, while members of the Arthropoda phylum usually reproduce through external fertilization.
This means that beetles lay eggs outside of their bodies, while animals in the Chordata phylum usually have their eggs fertilized internally.
To sum it up, beetles are not part of the Chordata phylum because they have an exoskeleton and jointed appendages, a different way of moving, a different diet, and a different reproductive strategy.
By understanding these differences, we can better appreciate why a beetle is not in the Chordata phylum.
The Benefits of Beetles Being Classified as Arthropods
The classification of beetles as Arthropods offers several benefits.
For starters, as members of the Insecta class, beetles have a hard exoskeleton that protects them from predators and the elements.
This exoskeleton is made up of a series of plates, which allows the beetle to move quickly and efficiently.
In addition, the jointed appendages that characterize Arthropods allow beetles to climb, jump, and fly with agility and precision.
This is a distinct advantage over members of the Chordata phylum, which lack the mobility and flexibility of an exoskeleton and jointed appendages.
In addition to mobility, the exoskeleton of an Arthropod offers beetles an additional layer of protection against the elements.
The exoskeleton helps to insulate the beetle from extreme temperatures, and its tough outer shell prevents moisture from entering the insects body.
This is particularly important for beetles, as many species are found in environments with high humidity.
Finally, the classification of beetles as Arthropods is important from an evolutionary standpoint.
By being placed in the same phylum as other invertebrates such as spiders, centipedes, and shrimp, beetles are able to share genetic material with these organisms.
This helps to ensure the continued survival of the species, as the beetle is able to adapt and evolve in response to changes in its environment.
Final Thoughts
It is clear that beetles are not in the phylum Chordata because they do not have a spinal cord.
Instead, they belong to the Insecta class, which is in the Arthropoda phylum.
This is beneficial to beetles because it allows them to use their exoskeleton and jointed appendages to their advantage.
Now that you know why a beetle is not in phylum Chordata, you can use this knowledge to further your understanding of the different classes of animals and their characteristics.