Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

What does the arthropod body confine itself within?

1. Frame

2. Skeleton

3. Exoskeleton

4. Hard shell

The correct answer is: Exoskeleton

The correct answer, exoskeleton, is a defining characteristic of arthropods, which include insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. An exoskeleton is a hard outer structure that provides support, protection, and a barrier against environmental threats, while allowing for mobility. This rigid structure is made of chitin, a robust polysaccharide that adds to its durability. The exoskeleton also plays a vital role in the life cycle of arthropods, as it must be periodically shed through a process known as molting to allow for growth. The other options do not accurately describe the unique characteristic of an arthropod's body. Although all organisms have some form of structural support, the term skeleton typically refers to an internal framework, which is found in vertebrates. Hard shell is more specific to certain groups of organisms, such as mollusks, rather than encompassing the broader classification of arthropods. Meanwhile, the term frame does not convey the structured and protective nature of an exoskeleton and is too vague to describe the specific biological function. Thus, exoskeleton is the most accurate and relevant choice for describing what confines the body of arthropods.