A taxonomy question - please HELP (Dec/31/2008 )

NOTE: This is not a homework question. This is part of a study effort for a big upcoming test.

What's a "jointed appendage?" Can you give me some examples? Can you give me some examples of something that is NOT a jointed appendage?

Progress I made on this question: None. The textbooks and website all use the term (in describing arthropodas) without defining it - as if I am supposed to know what it means.

jointed appendage.... ummm... an appendage with joints! A part of an animal body that protrudes from its main body which can only flex at fix points. examples, a human arm, an insect leg, a cat's tail.

NOT a jointed appendage ... that would be an octopus tentacle (an appendage with no fixed joints)

so there's no need for a bone (a cat's tail)? Wait, does a cat's tail have bones?

Yes, there is no need for bones. An chitin exoskeleton will do. As long as there is a fixed joint.

And yes, despite how the average house cat appears to act, they do have bones. And yes, so do their tails.

okay... THANKS!