In terms of animal classification, what is the dominant phylum that includes insects?

The dominant phylum that includes insects is Arthropoda. This phylum is characterized by organisms that have a segmented body, an exoskeleton made of chitin, and jointed appendages. Insects, which belong to this phylum, are incredibly diverse, with millions of species identified and many more yet to be discovered.

Arthropoda encompasses not just insects but also arachnids (like spiders), crustaceans (like crabs and shrimp), and myriapods (like centipedes and millipedes). This diversity and abundance highlight the evolutionary success of arthropods in various environments, compared to the other listed phyla.

In contrast, Chordata includes vertebrates such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, but does not encompass insects. Mollusca includes creatures like snails, clams, and octopuses, while Cnidaria is primarily made up of jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. These phyla do not include insects, reinforcing the significance of Arthropoda as the dominant phylum for this group of animals.