Insects differ from other arthropods because they?

Insects are classified as a distinct group within the phylum Arthropoda, primarily characterized by their anatomy and structure. One of the key features that sets insects apart from other arthropods, such as arachnids (which have eight legs) or crustaceans (which often have more than six legs), is the presence of six legs. This hexapod arrangement is unique to insects and is central to their classification.

Insects also display other distinguishing features, such as having a three-part body structure consisting of a head, thorax, and abdomen, and typically possess wings at some stage in their life cycle. The six-legged configuration allows for a diverse range of adaptations and functions, enabling insects to become one of the most abundant groups of animals on Earth. Understanding these key traits helps clarify why the answer identifying six legs is correct in distinguishing insects from other arthropods.