Under which phylum are all insects and mites classified?

All insects and mites are classified under the phylum Arthropoda. This phylum encompasses a diverse group of invertebrate animals characterized by their exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages.

Arthropoda is the largest phylum in the animal kingdom and includes not only insects and mites but also spiders, crustaceans, and other similar organisms. The classification of insects and mites under Arthropoda highlights their shared features such as the presence of an exoskeleton made of chitin, which provides structural support and protection, as well as their segmented bodies that are organized into functional regions.

While Insecta refers specifically to the class that includes insects, and Hexapoda is a superclass that includes all six-legged invertebrates (primarily insects), Arthropoda is the broader category that includes both insects and mites. Chordata, on the other hand, is a separate phylum that comprises animals with a spinal cord, which does not include either insects or mites. Thus, identifying Arthropoda as the correct answer acknowledges the broader taxonomic classification that encompasses both groups.