Pest Control Technician Practice Exam

Which characteristic defines centipedes?

1. They have multiple pairs of legs

2. They have a flattened, elongated body with many segments

3. They are primarily winged insects

4. They live exclusively in water

The correct answer is: They have a flattened, elongated body with many segments

The defining characteristic of centipedes is their flattened, elongated body with many segments. Each segment typically contains a pair of legs, resulting in a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other arthropods. This segmented body structure allows for flexibility and movement, enabling centipedes to navigate through their environments effectively, whether they are moving through soil, leaf litter, or other substrates. The other characteristics mentioned in the choices do not apply to centipedes. For instance, while centipedes do have legs attached to their body segments, they characteristically have one pair of legs per segment rather than multiple pairs. Centipedes are not winged; they belong to the class Chilopoda and are not classified as insects. Additionally, centipedes are primarily terrestrial and do not live exclusively in water, unlike some other arthropod classes that may have aquatic representatives. This uniqueness is why the flattened, elongated body with multiple segments is the key feature that identifies centipedes.