Arthropleura

Definition

Arthropleura was a giant millipede-like arthropod that lived during the Carboniferous period, reaching lengths of up to 2.5 meters (about 8 feet). This creature is significant as it exemplifies the evolution of terrestrial arthropods and highlights the diverse ecosystems that existed during this time, characterized by lush vegetation and high oxygen levels which supported larger body sizes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arthropleura is one of the largest known terrestrial arthropods and existed around 300 million years ago during the late Carboniferous period.
2. It thrived in humid, swampy environments that were abundant in plant life, which provided both habitat and food sources.
3. The high oxygen levels in the Carboniferous atmosphere, estimated to be about 35%, contributed to Arthropleura's large size compared to modern arthropods.
4. Fossils of Arthropleura have been discovered primarily in Europe and North America, indicating its widespread distribution during its time.
5. Despite its size, Arthropleura was likely herbivorous, feeding on decaying plant material and playing a role in the ecosystem as a decomposer.

Review Questions

• How does Arthropleura illustrate the evolutionary adaptations of terrestrial arthropods during the Carboniferous period?
  • Arthropleura showcases evolutionary adaptations such as its large size and body structure that allowed it to thrive in the high-oxygen environment of the Carboniferous. Its millipede-like form exemplifies how some arthropods adapted to terrestrial life by developing features suited for navigating dense vegetation. This adaptation reflects broader trends in the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems at this time, where increasing plant diversity provided new ecological niches.
• Discuss the ecological role of Arthropleura within its Carboniferous environment and its contributions to the ecosystem.
  • Arthropleura played a vital ecological role as a herbivore and decomposer in Carboniferous ecosystems. By feeding on decaying plant material, it contributed to nutrient recycling within the swampy habitats it occupied. Its presence helped maintain the balance of these ecosystems by breaking down organic matter, which enriched the soil and supported plant growth. Additionally, as a large organism, it may have served as prey for larger predators of its time, further integrating it into the food web.
• Evaluate how changes in atmospheric conditions during the Carboniferous period may have influenced the size and diversity of organisms like Arthropleura.
  • The Carboniferous period experienced significantly higher atmospheric oxygen levels, estimated around 35%, which facilitated larger body sizes in many organisms, including Arthropleura. The increased oxygen availability likely allowed for more efficient respiration and energy production, enabling larger sizes compared to modern counterparts. Additionally, this high oxygen environment coincided with lush plant growth that created diverse habitats. As plants flourished, they provided ample resources for herbivores like Arthropleura, promoting a variety of life forms and complex ecosystems that thrived during this time.

Related terms

Carboniferous:

A geological period spanning from about 359 to 299 million years ago, known for its extensive coal-forming forests and the dominance of amphibians and early reptiles.

Eurypterids: Often referred to as 'sea scorpions', eurypterids are an extinct group of marine arthropods that lived during the Paleozoic era, related to modern horseshoe crabs.

Myriapoda: A subphylum of arthropods that includes millipedes and centipedes, characterized by their elongated bodies and numerous legs.