Which of the following best defines an arthropod?

The definition of an arthropod is best captured by identifying it as an invertebrate with jointed body and limbs. This description accurately reflects the key characteristics that define the phylum Arthropoda, which includes a vast range of organisms such as insects, arachnids (spiders and scorpions), myriapods (centipedes and millipedes), and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp).

Arthropods are characterized by their segmented bodies, which are often divided into distinct regions such as the head, thorax, and abdomen. They possess exoskeletons made of chitin, a feature that provides protection and structural support. The jointed limbs allow for a variety of movements, enabling them to adapt to diverse environments and lifestyles.

These features distinctly separate arthropods from other types of creatures. For example, a hard-shelled creature with no legs does not represent an arthropod but could refer to a mollusk like a clam or an oyster, while worms with soft bodies and segmented forms belong to the phylum Annelida and do not exhibit jointed limbs or an exoskeleton. Furthermore, vertebrates with limbs and skin covering are categorized within a different classification system altogether