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. Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
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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. 3
Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
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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.
Some scales
Tough scales
become
also help to
highly
protect reptiles
modified, like
from predators
in the case of
while also
the rattle-
aiding in
snake’s rattle
camouflage.
which serves as a warning to other creatures.
Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
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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 7
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.
Written by Darren Colello and designed by Anitra Paris Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com
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