Spiders belong to which class and order?

Spiders are classified under Class Arachnida and Order Araneae. This classification is fundamental to understanding the biology and ecology of spiders.

Class Arachnida encompasses a diverse group of joint-legged invertebrates, which not only includes spiders but also scorpions, mites, and ticks. Characteristics of this class typically include having eight legs (as opposed to six legs found in insects) and a body divided into two main segments: the cephalothorax and the abdomen.

Within this class, the Order Araneae specifically refers to spiders, which are distinguished by their unique adaptations such as silk production for web-building or hunting, and specialized feeding mechanisms, as they are obligate carnivores that typically liquefy their prey before consumption. This order highlights the ecological role of spiders, showcasing their importance as predators in many ecosystems.

In contrast, the incorrect options refer to Class Insecta, which is characterized by having three main body parts and six legs, and includes insects like ants and butterflies, as well as inappropriate orders related to spiders. The mixing of insect classifications with arachnid orders showcases the distinct separation between these classes in the animal kingdom.