Topic summary
Exoskeletons
Extracted from the Wikipedia article Exoskeleton.
Role
Exoskeletons contain rigid and resistant components that fulfill a set of functional roles in addition to structural support in many animals, including protection, respiration, excretion, sensation, feeding and courtship display, and as an osmotic barrier against desiccation in terrestrial organisms. Exoskeletons have roles in defence from parasites and predators and in providing attachment points for musculature.