EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Arthropods are covered with a tough, resilient integument or exoskeleton of chitin . Generally the exoskeleton will have thickened areas in which the chitin is reinforced or stiffened by materials such as minerals or hardened proteins. This happens in parts of the body where there is a need for rigidity or elasticity.

Detailed explanation-2: -The exoskeleton is composed of a thin, outer protein layer, the epicuticle, and a thick, inner, chitin–protein layer, the procuticle. In most terrestrial arthropods, such as insects and spiders, the epicuticle contains waxes that aid in reducing evaporative water loss.

Detailed explanation-3: -The bodies of arthropods are supported, not by internal bones, but by a hardened exoskeleton made of chitin, a substance produced by many non-arthropods as well. In arthropods, the nonliving exoskeleton is like a form-fitting suit of armor. It is produced by the “skin” and then hardens into a protective outer-covering.

Detailed explanation-4: -The exoskeleton is the hard outer shell (nonliving layer) of an insect, in contrast with the endoskeleton of humans and other mammals.

Detailed explanation-5: -The exoskeleton is also called the cuticle and is made up of three distinct layers: the epicuticle, exocuticle and endocuticle.