To which phylum do all insect-related animals belong?

All insect-related animals belong to the phylum Arthropoda. This phylum encompasses a diverse group of invertebrates characterized by their exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages. Insects, along with crustaceans, arachnids (such as spiders), and myriapods (like centipedes and millipedes), are all classified within this phylum due to their common anatomical and developmental features.

Insects are the largest group within Arthropoda, showcasing a remarkable variety in form and function, which contributes significantly to ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and as part of the food web. The defining characteristics of arthropods, including the presence of an exoskeleton made of chitin and a body plan that typically features a head, thorax, and abdomen, are fundamental in distinguishing them from organisms in other phyla.

The other phyla mentioned—Chordata, Mollusca, and Annelida—represent different classifications. Chordata includes animals with a notochord and is primarily known for vertebrates; Mollusca consists of soft-bodied animals, often with a hard shell, like snails and clams; Annelida encompasses segmented worms. None of