Kids Research Express

. Velvetworm, any of a group of soft-bodied, many-legged, worm-like animals known for their velvety cuticle, or outer covering, and their resemblance to both arthropods (insects, spiders, and crustaceans) and annelids (segmented or true worms). They live in moist tropical and temperate habitats south of the tropic of Cancer. Velvetworms are also known as onychophorans or peripatuses, after the most familiar genus. About 80 species of velvetworms are known. Mature velvetworms range from 1.5 to 15 cm (0.6 to 5.9 in) in length and may be blue, orange, green, or black in color. Their thin, flexible cuticle, or outer skin, bears many small, scaly, wartlike tubercles and sensory hairs, which produce a velvety appearance. Velvetworms have 14 to 43 pairs of stubby, claw-tipped legs called lobopods. The lobopods contain no muscles. Velvetworms control their body and limb movements with hydrostatic pressure changes within their body cavity. Velvetworms use these pressure changes to lift and lo

. Arthropoda -> Largest and most diverse invertebrate phylum characterized by animals with jointed limbs, a segmented body, and an exoskeleton made of chitin. Arthropods are abundant and successful in almost all habitats. The exoskeleton is divided into plates that enhance flexibility and movement. Periodic molting of the exoskeleton permits growth. Arthropods have a complex brain and nervous system. Many arthropods have a compound eye made up of numerous light-sensitive parts. Reproduction is sexual. – Examples: Ants, beetles, butterflies, lobsters, shrimp, crabs, scorpions, spiders, ticks Ectoprocta or Bryozoa -> Small, mostly marine animals that resemble simplified horseshoe worms, with a lophophore surrounding the mouth. They live in colonies, attaching to the sea bottom or seaweed. Bryozoans are hermaphroditic and reproduce asexually (by budding) and sexually. – Examples: Moss animals Entoprocta or Kamptozoa -> Small, mostly marine animals with a globular body mounted