Millipedes have how many pairs of legs per body segment, and what do they primarily feed on?

• A. Two pairs per segment; decaying vegetable matter feeders
• B. One pair per segment; living plant feeders
• C. Three pairs per segment; decaying matter feeders
• D. Two pairs per segment; carnivorous

Answer: (A)

Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment, a feature that comes from fused segments called diplosegments. This leg arrangement goes hand in hand with their feeding habit: they are detritivores that primarily feed on decaying vegetable matter, leaf litter, and other decomposing plant material. They’re not typically feeding on living plants or animals. In contrast, centipedes have one pair of legs per segment and are usually carnivorous predators, which is why the other descriptions don’t fit millipedes as well.