EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -All arthropods have a hard exoskeleton made of chiton, a type of protein. This shell provides protection for the animals, and gives support for the attachment of the arthropod’s muscles.

Detailed explanation-2: -The external skeleton of arthropods is a highly efficient system for small animals. The exoskeleton provides a large surface area for the attachment of muscles and, in addition to functioning in support and movement, also provides protection from the external environment.

Detailed explanation-3: -A typical arthropod exoskeleton is a multi-layered structure with four functional regions: epicuticle, procuticle, epidermis and basement membrane. Of these, the epicuticle is a multi-layered external barrier that, especially in terrestrial arthropods, acts as a barrier against desiccation.

Detailed explanation-4: -The exoskeleton (shared with other arthropods) provides protection against predation and desiccation or waterlogging (necessary for small organisms) and innumerable points of muscle attachment (for flexibility). However, the exoskeleton also limits the size attainable by arthropods.

Detailed explanation-5: -An exoskeleton is the rigid covering found on the exterior of many animals, particularly invertebrates such as arthropods and mollusks. Much like the internal endoskeleton of vertebrates, the exoskeleton is responsible for supporting the structure of an animal’s body.