Arthropods: Evolution and ecology

Abstract

Arthropods constitute the dominant group in the animal kingdom and are a major part of global biodiversity. There are 1,302,809 species of arthropods described that include 45,769 fossil species. Arthropods are the most successful group found in almost all biogeographical regions and ecological zones and have a dominating influence on other elements of biodiversity. The Insecta have 1, 070,781 species and it alone accounts for over 80 % of all arthropods. Another major group is Arachnida having 114, 275 described species of which 55, 214 species are mites and ticks. Arthropods contribute to human food supply, pollinate crops, help maintain ecosystem sustainability by biologically suppressing destructive arthropods, but cause and transmit diseases to humans and livestock and incur crop losses. Invasive arthropods can negatively impact natural resources.