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Tarantula

3rd September, 2024

Tarantula

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement is not intended.

Context:

Wildlife researcher Chris Ketola shared a video which shows a tarantula infected by zombie fungus.

Tarantulas

  • They are a kind of large and hairy spider.
  • Like all arthropods, the tarantula is an invertebrate that relies on an exoskeleton for muscular support.
  • Scientific name: Theraphosidae.
  • They are found all across the world except for Antarctica.
  • There are over 900 sub species of the tarantulas.
  • They have eight hairy legs.
  • They are nocturnal predators.
  • Size:
      • Adult- average five inches (13 centimeters) long.
      • When spread out, their leg span is up to 11 inches (28 centimeters).

Zombie fungus:

  • Scientific name: Ophiocordyceps unilateralis.
  • It drains its host entirely of nutrients.
  • It infuses the host body with spores and the fungus to reproduce within the host.
  • It then seizes the host’s mind and motor functions then eats away its body.
  • The fungus is largely found in tropics and mostly infects carpenter ants.

Arthropods are invertebrates with jointed legs and an exoskeleton.

They have several other characteristics, including:

●Segmented bodies: Arthropods have segmented bodies that are divided into a head, thorax, and abdomen.

●Jointed appendages: Arthropods have jointed appendages that help them move, feed, and sense their surroundings.

●Chitin exoskeleton: Arthropods have an exoskeleton made of chitin, a long-chained carbohydrate derived from glucose.

●Open circulatory system: Arthropods have an open circulatory system and a coelomic cavity filled with blood.

●Malpighian tubules: Terrestrial arthropods use Malpighian tubules to excrete, which helps them conserve water.

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended

Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/nightmarish-video-of-tarantula-infected-by-zombie-fungus-goes-viral-burn-it-with-fire-101725078466429.html

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.  Consider the following statements about Tarantulas recently seen in news

  1. They are arthropods found all across the world except for Antarctica.
  2. There is only one species of Tarantula
  3. They are diurnal in nature.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only one

B. Only two

C. All three

D. None

Ans: A

Explanation:

Tarantulas

  • They are a kind of large and hairy spider.
  • Like all arthropods, the tarantula is an invertebrate that relies on an exoskeleton for muscular support.
  • Scientific name: Theraphosidae.
  • They are found all across the world except for Antarctica.( Sox, statement 1 is correct)
  • There are over 900 sub species of the tarantulas.( So, statement 2 is incorrect)
  • They have eight hairy legs.
  • They are nocturnal predators.( so, statement 3 is incorrect)
  • Size:
      • Adult- average five inches (13 centimetres) long.
      • When spread out, their leg span is up to 11 inches (28 centimetres).

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