How many legs does a centipede have per body segment?

How many legs does a centipede have per body segment?

• A. Two pairs
• B. One pair
• C. Four pairs
• D. Five pairs

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is based on the anatomical structure of centipedes, which belong to the class Chilopoda. Each segment of a centipede's body typically has one pair of legs. This means that for each of its many body segments, there is one pair of legs attached, resulting in a total leg count that corresponds to the number of body segments. Centipedes can have varying total numbers of legs, often between 30 to 354 legs, depending on the species, but the consistent factor is that each segment contributes one pair. This unique characteristic distinguishes centipedes from other similar arthropods, such as millipedes, which have two pairs of legs per segment. Understanding the anatomy of centipedes is crucial for identifying and differentiating them within their ecological niches.

The correct answer is based on the anatomical structure of centipedes, which belong to the class Chilopoda. Each segment of a centipede's body typically has one pair of legs. This means that for each of its many body segments, there is one pair of legs attached, resulting in a total leg count that corresponds to the number of body segments.

Centipedes can have varying total numbers of legs, often between 30 to 354 legs, depending on the species, but the consistent factor is that each segment contributes one pair. This unique characteristic distinguishes centipedes from other similar arthropods, such as millipedes, which have two pairs of legs per segment. Understanding the anatomy of centipedes is crucial for identifying and differentiating them within their ecological niches.