Phylum Arthropoda includes all animals with which characteristics?

Phylum Arthropoda is distinguished by several key characteristics that define this diverse group of animals. One of the most prominent features is the presence of paired, jointed legs, which provides arthropods with a high degree of mobility and adaptability to various environments. Additionally, arthropods have an exoskeleton made of chitin, which serves as a protective barrier and offers structural support. This combination of jointed appendages and a segmented body plan allows for a variety of specialized forms and functions, contributing to the ecological success of arthropods across numerous habitats.

In contrast, the other options describe characteristics that do not apply to Phylum Arthropoda. For example, soft bodies and shells are typical of mollusks, while slime bodies and the absence of legs are more characteristic of different types of organisms, such as certain worms. The presence of vertebrae and claws is specific to vertebrates, such as fish and mammals, which belong to entirely different phyla. Thus, the defining characteristics of arthropods clearly align with the presence of paired, jointed legs and exoskeletons.