Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT) Practice

How many legs do most insects possess?

1. 4

2. 6

3. 8

4. 10

The correct answer is: 6

Most insects possess six legs, which is a defining characteristic of the class Insecta within the phylum Arthropoda. This six-legged arrangement is fundamental to their anatomy and distinguishes them from other arthropods. Insects are structured with three main body segments: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The legs are attached to the thorax, with each segment typically possessing a pair of legs—resulting in the total of six legs. This specific adaptation allows insects to be highly mobile and efficient in their environments, aiding in activities such as foraging, escape from predators, and mating. Other options, such as four, eight, or ten legs, do not apply to insects. Four-legged organisms are usually quadrupeds, such as mammals, while eight-legged creatures are arachnids, like spiders. Similarly, ten legs would be characteristic of some crustaceans, not insects. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the biological classification and structural anatomy of insects.