14.1 - Types of Skeleton

Skeleton is a framework that provides support to living organisms. There are 3 types of skeletons in animals.

• Exoskeleton
• Endoskeleton
• Hydrostatic skeleton

The Necessity of Skeletal Systems in Animals and Humans

• Enable organisms to move around to search for food, partners or escape from danger.
• Exoskeleton protects and supports soft internal body tissues in insects and crustaceans.
• Endoskeleton helps to maintain body shape, support soft body tissues and protect internal organs from injury in all vertebrates.
• Hydrostatic skeleton helps animals with soft tissues to maintain a rigid body shape.