What is the etymological meaning of the word 'arthropod'?

What is the etymological meaning of the word 'arthropod'?

• A. Jointed leg
• B. Segmented body
• C. Hard exoskeleton
• D. Winged animal

Answer: (A)

The meaning tested here is how scientific terms reflect their roots. Arthro- comes from Greek arthron meaning joint, and -pod from pous/podos meaning foot or leg. Put together, arthropod literally describes an animal with jointed legs, which is the most direct and accurate cue from the word’s roots. The other options refer to features (segmented body, hard exoskeleton, winged) that aren’t what the word’s roots denote, even though those features are common in arthropods. So the term emphasizes the presence of jointed limbs.

The meaning tested here is how scientific terms reflect their roots. Arthro- comes from Greek arthron meaning joint, and -pod from pous/podos meaning foot or leg. Put together, arthropod literally describes an animal with jointed legs, which is the most direct and accurate cue from the word’s roots. The other options refer to features (segmented body, hard exoskeleton, winged) that aren’t what the word’s roots denote, even though those features are common in arthropods. So the term emphasizes the presence of jointed limbs.