Amphipoda is an order of malacostracan crustaceans characterized by sessile eyes and the absence of a carapace, comprising more than 10,700 species that inhabit nearly all aquatic environments, from freshwater to ocean depths, along with some terrestrial habitats. Most amphipods are marine, though about one-fifth live in freshwater and other non-marine settings, including the family Talitridae's terrestrial landhoppers. They range from less than one millimeter to about 35 centimeters in length and function mainly as detritivores or scavengers within aquatic food webs.
Facts
Classification
DietDetritivore or Scavenger 1 System (Realm) System (Realm) System (Realm) Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceSessile eyes, no carapace, and a thorax and abdomen that are typically laterally compressed. 1 Scientific Name Connections
In Biome
Source Amphipoda (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Denmark, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Norway, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Sweden, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: United States, found in there.
Sources
1. Amphipoda (Wikipedia)
WikipediaLead, first sentence
Amphipoda (noun) is an order of malacostracan crustaceans characterized by sessile eyes and the absence of a carapace.
Anatomy section
The thorax and abdomen are usually quite distinct and bear different kinds of legs; they are typically laterally compressed.
system (entity description states it plainly, diet)
They range from less than one millimeter to about 35 centimeters in length and function mainly as detritivores or scavengers within aquatic food webs.
In Biome: Hadal Zone, Ecology section
They are found in almost all aquatic environments, from fresh water to water with twice the salinity of sea water and even in the Challenger Deep, the deepest known point in the ocean.
View the Source 2. GBIF Species API
3. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ193418, descriptionView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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