Post on 02-Apr-2016
description
Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
Preservation Through Education
NORTHWEST WILDLIFE PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
C L A W S
S K I N
F U R
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Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
Have you ever taken a really close look at
the body coverings of animals? They have
extraordinary and integral adaptations that
allow them to survive in their environment.
The diversity of colours and textures are
nearly limitless, however they are all
distinctly related through the process of
evolution. Three external aspects of the
integumentary system that will be further
explored are fur, scales, and feathers. Other
elements of the integumentary system
includes talons, claws, hooves, horns, antlers
and more. The integumentary system
protects the body against outside threats
and also produces implements to be able to
display to other animals, move around and
procure food.
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Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
is an amazing body
covering possessed
only by mammals.
Most mammals have two layers of fur; a
warm underfur that keeps the heat in and
the cold out and a layer of guard hairs
which protect the species from the outside
elements such as the sun’s rays, rain, sleet
or snow. The ends of the guard hairs also
produce the colour pigments that many
animals show and may utilize in
camouflage. All mammals possess fur,
however in marine mammal species such
as dolphins and whales, there are only a
few tiny hair follicles left, as these species
require complete streamlining.
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Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com 4
Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
Reptiles have a specific type of dry scale
which covers their whole body. Turtles and
tortoises scales take a different form; their
scales have formed large bony scutes that
compose their hard protective shell. Scales
help to prevent water loss and protect
reptiles in hot environments from 5
Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
dehydration.
Tough scales
also help to
protect reptiles
from predators
while also
aiding in
camouflage.
Some scales
become
highly
modified, like
in the case of
the rattle-
snake’s rattle
which serves
as a warning
to other
creatures.
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Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
Feathers are an extraordinary body
covering possessed only by birds. Feathers
like fur are composed of keratin, a strong
protein. Feathers have multiple purposes.
Downy feathers, those closest to the bird’s
skin, allow for thermoregulation and keep
the bird at an optimal temperature. Flight
feathers are well adapted for various forms
and functions of flight, such as gliding,
diving, hovering, and a multitude of aerial
agility. Feathers in waterfowl and aquatic
birds can be very waterproof. This is often
due to the bird spreading oil from a
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Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
special gland onto their feathers. Feathers
also serve other important functions
related to communication and display.
Birds can use their feathers to
communicate a variety of emotions and
intentions and they also display their
feathers in innumerable patterns and
colours.
8 Written by Darren Colello and designed by Anitra Paris