Linked from

The 62 pages that link to Exoskeleton, each with the reason it gives.

• EcdysisNarrower topic: In arthropods, ecdysis permits growth beyond the limits of this external skeleton.

• ArthropodRelated: Arthropods rely on an external skeleton rather than an internal bony framework.

• InsectRelated: An insect’s rigid cuticle supports its body but must be shed for growth.

• CrustaceanRelated: A crustacean’s exoskeleton must be shed for the animal to grow.

• CarapaceCompared with: A turtle’s carapace is part of its internal skeleton, not an external exoskeleton.

• OsteodermsCompared with: Osteoderms lie within the skin rather than forming a wholly external skeleton.

• Complete metamorphosisRelated: Because it cannot expand continuously, it must be shed as larvae grow.

• InsectivoryRelated: The prey’s exoskeleton presents a mechanical and digestive challenge to insectivores.

• GaitRelated: Powered assistance can help produce steps in people with impaired mobility.

• MoltingNarrower topic: Molting replaces this rigid structure, which cannot expand continuously as the animal grows.

• Hydrostatic skeletonCompared with: An exoskeleton bears forces through a hard outer layer rather than pressurized fluid.

• Incomplete metamorphosisRelated: Because the exoskeleton cannot expand continuously, growth requires molting.

• CrustaceaRelated: Crustaceans grow by shedding this external covering.

• CuticleNarrower topic: The cuticle forms much of the arthropod exoskeleton.

• TrilobiteRelated: A mineralized exoskeleton preserved most trilobite fossils and recorded growth through molts.

• Axial skeletonCompared with: Unlike an external skeleton, the axial framework lies inside the body.

• Hermit crabRelated: Unlike the abdomen, the crab’s front body is protected by a hardened exoskeleton.

• Insect cuticleNarrower topic: Insect cuticle is the material that makes up its exoskeleton.

• LobsterRelated: A lobster’s exoskeleton must be shed for the animal to grow.

• MoultingBroader topic: An inflexible exoskeleton must be shed for many arthropods to increase in size.

• ArthropodaRelated: Arthropods’ cuticular exoskeleton provides support but must be shed for growth.

• OrthopteraRelated: Orthopterans must shed this external skeleton to grow.

• CrayfishRelated: A crayfish's exoskeleton must be shed for the animal to grow.

• InvertebrateRelated: Arthropods use an exoskeleton for support instead of an internal backbone.

• ChelipedRelated: The cheliped's joints and pincers are supported by the crustacean exoskeleton.

• Postcranial skeletonCompared with: It contrasts with the internal position of vertebrate postcranial bones.

• ShrimpRelated: Shrimp must shed this outer covering to grow.

• CockroachRelated: A cockroach's exoskeleton must be shed as it grows.

• DurophagyNarrower topic: It is the broader body structure that makes many prey difficult to consume.

• EurypteridRelated: A chitinous exoskeleton shaped eurypterid movement and was periodically shed during growth.

• MillipedeRelated: A millipede's hardened exoskeleton protects its many-segmented trunk.

• ShellfishRelated: Crustacean shellfish rely on an exoskeleton that must be shed for growth.

• Spiny lobsterRelated: A spiny lobster must shed this armor to grow.

• TelsonNarrower topic: The telson is covered by the arthropod exoskeleton and must accommodate molting as the animal grows.

• WoodlouseRelated: Its plates protect the woodlouse while limiting water loss on land.

• BlattodeaRelated: Blattodeans must shed this outer skeleton to grow.

• Coconut crabRelated: Its exoskeleton must be shed and replaced as the crab grows.

• PrawnRelated: A prawn sheds this outer covering to grow.

• DecapodRelated: A decapod’s exoskeleton must be shed for the animal to grow.

• Slipper lobsterRelated: The lobster's broad body is enclosed by this periodically molted outer skeleton.

• ArthropleuraRelated: Arthropleura's preserved body segments were parts of an external skeleton.

• Human skeletonCompared with: Unlike the human skeleton, an exoskeleton surrounds the body and must be shed for growth.

• Muscular systemCompared with: It contrasts with the internal skeleton that vertebrate muscles pull against.

• Nephrops norvegicusRelated: Its hard shell must be shed for the animal to grow.

• Giant isopodRelated: Overlapping plates form the giant isopod's protective outer covering.

• JaekelopterusRelated: Its fossil remains preserve parts of the external skeleton rather than soft tissues.

• Skeleton (anatomy)Compared with: Unlike an internal skeleton, it surrounds the body and is shed during growth in many arthropods.

• Emperor scorpionRelated: Its chitinous exoskeleton must be shed as the scorpion grows.

• Hercules beetleRelated: The beetle's external skeleton supports its body and provides attachment points for muscles.

• Integumentary systemCompared with: It provides structural support outside the body, unlike the flexible, living integument of vertebrates.