Syrinx aruanus is a species of sea snail with a very large shell.Įndoskeletons are the internal support structure of an animal, composed of mineralized tissues, such as the bone skeletons found in most vertebrates. The southern giant clam, a species of extremely large saltwater clam in the Pacific Ocean, has a shell that is massive in both size and weight. Somewhat larger aquatic animals can support an exoskeleton because weight is less of a consideration underwater. Īn external skeleton can be quite heavy in relation to the overall mass of an animal, so on land, organisms that have an exoskeleton are mostly relatively small.
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In arthropods, the exoskeleton also assists with sensory perception. Exoskeletons provide a surface for the attachment of muscles, and specialized appendanges of the exoskeleton can assist with movement and defense. The shells of molluscs are another form of exoskeleton. Arthropods have exoskeletons that encase their bodies and have to undergo periodic moulting or ecdysis as the animal grows. Exoskeletons Įxoskeletons are external skeletons that cover the body of an animal, serving as armor to protect an animal from predators. Hydrostatic skeletons are always internal. Fluid or hydrostatic skeletons do not have hard structure like solid skeletons, instead functioning via pressurized fluids. Skeletons may also be defined by rigidity, where pliant skeletons are more elastic than rigid skeletons. These can be further divided by location internal skeletons are endoskeletons, and external skeletons are exoskeletons.
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Solid skeletons consist of hard substances, such as bone, cartilage, or cuticle. Skeletons can be defined by several attributes. The term skeleton comes from Ancient Greek σκελετός ( skeletós) 'dried up'.