ANIMAL KINGDOM Animals With Armour

READY FOR BATTLE

ANIMALS WITH ARMOUR

The definition of armour doesn’t change much in the context of animals, other than the fact that it forms as a part of their body and helps them withstand whatever nature throws at them, from pounding waves to predators’ teeth and claws.

PANGOLINS

Pangolins are covered with large, overlapping plates made entirely of keratin. They are the only known mammal to have true scales and are affectionately known as “scaly anteaters”. The scales seem like they could be unwieldy, but not for these toughies from Asia and Africa. IRONCLAD BEETLES

The ironclad beetle is like a tiny tank on six legs. Its rugged exoskeleton is so tough that the beetle can survive getting run over by cars, and many would-be predators don’t stand a chance of cracking one open. It is nature’s jawbreaker and has a distinctly hardto-squish shape - it is low to the ground flat on top. While most beetles live for only a matter of weeks, the ironclad can live for about eight years. ARMADILLOS

The peculiar armadillo’s strong and flexible shell is unlike the exterior of any other animal on the planet. Its armour is made up of overlapping plates covering the back, head, legs and tail. There are 21 species, but only one, the three-banded armadillo, can roll itself into a hard armoured ball to defend itself against predators. Other armadillo species simply dig a hole quickly and hunker down so that their tender stomach is protected and their armour is the only thing visible. Think of their armour more like a hard-shelled suitcase than a bulletproof vest.

HEDGEHOGS

Don’t be fooled: the tiny size of a hedgehog doesn’t mean he’s always a target. Though predators may go near him at first, many will be discouraged when they see his prickly spines shoot up as if to say, “stay back!” Some may refer to hedgehogs as “walking pincushions” because of this prickly feature. Hedgehogs also sleep with their spines interlocked, which means they are protected while they get a little hedgehog beauty sleep.

ARAPAIMAS

One of the world’s largest freshwater fish is protected by the natural equivalent of a “bullet-proof vest”, helping it thrive in the dangerous waters of the Amazon River basin with flexible armour-like scales able to withstand ferocious piranha attacks. They grow up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 200kg. TURTLES AND TORTOISES

Turtles, tortoises and terrapins are all members of the order Chelonia, which includes hundreds of shelled species. Each species’ shell may differ in texture, style, and colour, but serves a common purpose: to act as armour for its internal organs. When it senses danger or feels pressure upon its shell, a chelonian instinctively pulls its head, legs and feet inside the protective shell.

ABALONES

Abalones are marine snails. This squishy gastropod lives in a shell that’s like a “bricks and mortar” structure. The shell of the abalone is exceptionally strong and is made of microscopic calcium carbonate tiles stacked like bricks. Between the layers of tiles is a clingy protein substance. When the abalone shell is struck, the tiles slide instead of shattering and the protein stretches to absorb the energy of the blow. Material scientists around the world are studying this tiled structure for insight into stronger ceramic products such as body armour. PORCUPINES

Small and often noisy, porcupines are easy prey in the wild. To avoid ending up as a predator’s next meal, the prickly rodent has employed an ingenious defence tactic. The weapon of choice? Its needle-clad armour. To fight off an attacker, a porcupine will ram its spiky backside into its predator, leaving the larger animal looking like a pincushion.

CROCODILES

Crocodiles have armour-plated skin that is tough and durable. Their scales are called ‘scutes’ and are very big with the density of bone and amazingly, are not attached to any part of a crocodile’s skeleton, therefore their skin is incredibly flexible and durable. The back scales on crocodiles are the biggest, and for good reason; a crocodile’s back is the one place that is open to many elements. They are also thick to be able to withstand the heat of the sun.