Evolutionary Relationships of Arachnida
Ancestors and Evolution: Arachnids evolved from marine ancestors related to horseshoe crabs and other chelicerates. Over millions of years, they adapted to life on land, developing traits like water-resistant exoskeletons, specialized respiratory systems (book lungs or tracheae), and silk production in spiders. Phylogenetic Significance: The diversity of arachnids reflects their evolutionary success and ability to…