Question

The segments of crustaceans are covered with a dorsal plate or _____________ and a ventral plate or ______________.

a. Carapace - Plastron
b. Exoskeleton - Endoskeleton
c. Tergum - Sternum
d. Scutum - Shield

Answer 1

The segments of crustaceans are covered by a dorsal plate known as the tergum and a ventral plate called the sternum. These provide points for muscle attachment and also offer protective benefits.

Step-by-step explanation:

The segments of crustaceans are covered with a dorsal plate or tergum and a ventral plate or sternum. This structure allows for muscle attachment and protection. Crustaceans, like other arthropods, have a chitinous exoskeleton, which is often infused with calcium carbonate, giving it additional strength. Their body plan usually consists of a cephalothorax, which is protected by the carapace, and an abdomen. Crustaceans undergo a process called molting where they shed their exoskeleton to grow, displaying an open circulatory system where blood is pumped by a heart located dorsally.

Answer 2

The segments of crustaceans are covered with a dorsal plate or tergum and a ventral plate or sternum. These are part of their protective exoskeleton.

Step-by-step explanation:

The segments of crustaceans are protected by two main plates: the dorsal plate and the ventral plate. The dorsal plate is known as the tergum while the ventral plate is referred to as the sternum. These plates are part of the crustacean's exoskeleton, which provides not only protection but also points of muscle attachment for movement. The exoskeleton, including the carapace that covers the cephalothorax, needs to be shed during molting to allow for growth due to its non-flexible nature.