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Examine the differences in structure and function of endoskeletons and exoskeletons

Examine the differences in structure and function of endoskeletons and exoskeletons

The skeleton provides to various animals support and protection and facilitates movement.
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Transcript

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NARRATOR: Skeletons are nature's way of giving support and protection to an animal's body. Support against the pull of gravity and protection of internal organs. In addition, skeletons enable animals to move swiftly and efficiently.

Nature provides these three main functions of skeletons . . . support, protection, and movement in various ways.

One way in which nature has provided support and protection is through the evolution of external skeletons, or exoskeletons, made of a tough but light material called chitin. Skeletons of this type have moveable sections. This is an important advantage, because this enables an animal to move about more quickly and easily. External skeletons, such as those of spiders and insects, give fairly good protection.

Internal skeletons are called endoskeletons. Internal skeletons make an animal's body very flexible and allow the greatest freedom and speed of movement.

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