- Tagmosis
Tagmosis is the
evolution ary process of and modifying segments in metamericorganisms such asarthropods to form tagmata. Ininsects , the body segments (somites ormetameres ) have become fused into three main tagmata: the head,thorax andabdomen . Segments making up each tagma can be either completely fused (e.g. the head capsule) or more loosely connected (e.g. the abdomen).The Arthropod body plan has undergone various forms of regional specialisation or tagmosis to produce segment groups specialised for different functions. As previously stated these specialised regions are called tagmata. Tagmosis is an extreme form of heteronomy, mediated by Hox genes and the other developmental genes they influence.
Tagmosis varies among the arthropod groups:
Trilobitomorpha - an extinct arthropodic group contains three tagmata- the cephalon (head), thorax and pygidiumCrustacea - also contain three tagmata- the head (cephalon), thorax and abdomenHexapoda - also contain three tagmata- the head, thorax and abdomenMyriapoda - contain 2 tagmata- cephalon and trunkCheliformes - contain 2 tagmata- prosoma and opisthosoma
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