Tarantula
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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).
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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.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements about Tarantulas recently seen in news
How many of the above statements is/are correct? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None
Ans: A Explanation: Tarantulas
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