Animals have scales for a variety of reasons, including:
- Protection: Scales provide a layer of protection from the environment and from predators. They can help to deflect blows, reduce friction, and protect against abrasion. For example, the scales of fish help to protect them from predators in the water. The scales of reptiles help to protect them from the sun’s UV rays and from predators on land.
- Thermoregulation: Scales can help animals to regulate their body temperature. They can trap heat in cold environments or help to dissipate heat in hot environments. For example, the scales of snakes help to regulate their body temperature by absorbing heat from the sun.
- Camouflage: The scales of some animals can help them to camouflage themselves in their environment. This can help them to avoid predators or to catch prey. For example, the scales of chameleons can change color to match their surroundings.
- Movement: The scales of some animals help them to move more easily. For example, the scales on the underside of a snake’s body help it to slither smoothly along the ground.
- Sensory perception: The scales of some animals can help them to sense their surroundings. For example, the scales on the belly of a fish can help it to detect vibrations in the water.
Not all animals with scales have the same reasons for having them. The specific reasons for having scales will vary depending on the species of animal.
Here are some specific examples of animals with scales and their reasons for having them:
- Fish: Fish have scales to protect them from predators and to help them swim smoothly through the water.
- Reptiles: Reptiles have scales to protect them from the sun’s UV rays, to help them regulate their body temperature, and to camouflage themselves.
- Insects: Insects have scales on their wings to help them fly. They also have scales on their bodies to help them protect themselves from predators and to regulate their body temperature.
- Pangolins: Pangolins are the only mammals that have scales. Their scales are made of keratin, the same material that our fingernails are made of. They use their scales to protect themselves from predators.