Millipedes differ from centipedes because :

Options

A. centipedes generally have fewer legs per segment
B. millipede is herbivorous, and the centipede is carnivorous
C. large centipedes are dangerous to handle but millipedes
are safe
D. all of the above are correct

Answer

To answer the question about how millipedes differ from centipedes, we can break down the differences into a structured format. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Identify the Organisms
- **Centipedes**: Belong to the class Chilopoda.
- **Millipedes**: Belong to the class Diplopoda.

### Step 2: Feeding Habits
- **Centipedes**: They are carnivorous, meaning they primarily feed on other animals.
- **Millipedes**: They are generally herbivorous or detritivorous, feeding on decaying plant matter and organic material.

### Step 3: Leg Structure
- **Centipedes**: They have one pair of legs per body segment.
- **Millipedes**: They have two pairs of legs per body segment, resulting in a greater total number of legs.

### Step 4: Behavior and Defense
- **Centipedes**: They can bite and are often considered dangerous due to their venomous bite.
- **Millipedes**: They do not bite and are generally harmless, often releasing a defensive secretion that can be irritating but is not harmful.

### Step 5: Summary of Differences
- **Feeding**: Centipedes (carnivorous) vs. Millipedes (herbivorous).
- **Legs**: Centipedes (one pair per segment) vs. Millipedes (two pairs per segment).
- **Danger**: Centipedes (can bite, dangerous) vs. Millipedes (non-biting, safe).

### Conclusion
Based on the differences outlined:
1. Centipedes generally have fewer legs per segment than millipedes.
2. Millipedes are herbivorous while centipedes are carnivorous.
3. Large centipedes are dangerous to handle, while millipedes are safe.

Thus, the correct answer to the question is **all of the above**.

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