Armour (zoology)

Armour or armor in

bite injuries

.

Composition

Armoured structures are usually composed of hardened mineral deposits, chitin, bone, or keratin.

Species with armour

Armour is evident in numerous animal species from both current and prehistoric times.

sauropods such as Saltasaurus

, grew armour to defend themselves, although armour in sauropods overall is uncommon.

The skull of *Triceratops* with its large neck frill and horns, both natural armour.

In modern times, some

Chelonia: tortoises, turtles and terrapins

.

Numerous mammals employ the use of spines and body armour, although not as sturdy as reptilian armour, like the spines of the echidnas and of porcupines and hedgehogs. The bony shell of the armadillos and the extinct Glyptodon were very much like Ankylosaurus' armour and some modern armadillos curl up into a ball when threatened, making them unexposed due to their armour. Similarly, the hairy plate-like scales of the pangolin are employed in the same way and are constructed of the same material used in the offensive armour, the horn, of the rhinoceros.

Usage

Armour, although all used for the sole intent to ward off attackers, can be split into defensive and offensive armour. Examples of offensive armour are

ceratopsian horn) and arthropods

. Offensive armour is often used in conjunction with defensive armour and in some cases makes an animal almost unassailable.

Composition

Species with armour

Usage

See also