Carapace
A carapace is a
Crustaceans
In crustaceans, the carapace functions as a protective cover over the cephalothorax (i.e., the fused head and thorax, as distinct from the abdomen behind). Where it projects forward beyond the eyes, this projection is called a rostrum. The carapace is calcified to varying degrees in different crustaceans.[1]
, but isopods only have a developed "cephalic shield" carapace covering the head.Arachnids
In
In a few orders, such as Solifugae and Schizomida, the carapace may be subdivided. In Opiliones, some authors prefer to use the term carapace interchangeably with the term cephalothorax, which is incorrect usage, because carapace refers only to the dorsal part of the exoskeleton of the cephalothorax.
Alternative terms for the carapace of arachnids and their relatives, which avoids confusion with crustaceans, are prosomal dorsal shield and peltidium.
Turtles and tortoises
The carapace is the
References
- ^ Pentcheff, Dean (ed.). "Carapace". Crustacea Glossary. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Archived from the original on 23 September 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
- ISBN 978-0-520-26140-2.
- ^ Romer, A. S. (1956). Osteology of the Reptiles. University of Chicago Press.
- ^ Zangerl, R. (1969). "The turtle shell". In Gans, C.; Bellairs, D. d'A.; Parsons, T. A. (eds.). Biology of the Reptilia. Vol. 1. London: Academic Press. pp. 311–340.
External links
- Media related to Carapace at Wikimedia Commons