: A hard external shell made of chitin that protects their organs. Because this shell cannot grow, insects must periodically molt to increase in size.
: All adult insects have exactly three pairs of legs, leading to their alternate name, "Hexapoda". The Insects
are the most diverse and abundant group of animals on Earth, making up more than half of all living species. Often called "the little things that run the world," they are essential to the functioning of almost every terrestrial ecosystem, serving as pollinators, decomposers, and a primary food source for many other animals. Key Characteristics : A hard external shell made of chitin
: They are a critical link in the food chain, providing high-protein meals for birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. are the most diverse and abundant group of
To be classified as an insect (class Insecta ), an animal must typically have:
