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The secrets of bugs and mollusks: How strong are the materials used to make their exoskeletons?
In nature, all kinds of organisms have their own protection mechanisms, and exoskeletons, as one of the most important protective tools for these organisms, have undoubtedly attracted widespread attention from the scientific community. These exoskeletons not only support the shape of the organism, but also effectively protect the internal organs, thus becoming a multi-functional survival tool.
The functions of the exoskeleton are not limited to structural support, but also include protection, breathing, excretion, perception, eating and attracting the opposite sex.
The exoskeleton is made of various components, mixed with materials in different proportions. Insects, for example, have exoskeletons composed primarily of chitin, a strong and resilient biopolymer. Some organisms, such as shellfish, use calcium carbonate as the main component of their shells, making their exoskeletons harder and stronger.
In the process of evolution, the emergence of exoskeleton undoubtedly provides important advantages for the adaptation and survival of organisms. However, these exoskeletons also have their limitations. Due to their rigid nature, organisms often need to "shed their shells" during their growth, that is, to shed the old exoskeleton and then produce a new exoskeleton. This process puts organisms at greater risk for a short period of time because their bodies are relatively fragile and vulnerable to attack.
Organisms that have lost their rigid exoskeleton face a life-and-death struggle with their natural enemies.
When archaeologists studied the fossils of ancient organisms, they found that the exoskeleton was like a hard shell that could effectively protect the remains of these organisms. However, this also limits our understanding of ancient organisms, because many mollusks that have not formed an exoskeleton cannot be successfully fossilized, which means that we can only infer their life cycle and ecological environment through signs of the exoskeleton.
Such limitations have prompted scholars to think about how to gain a deeper understanding of the evolutionary history of organisms through the study of exoskeletons? Especially before the Cambrian period, the process of organisms changing from having no exoskeleton to having an exoskeleton was not only a challenge for the organisms themselves, but also a testimony to the interaction between organisms and the environment.
The evolution of the exoskeleton is thought to be the underlying force driving the Cambrian explosion.
With the continuous advancement of scientific research, scientists have gradually deepened their research on exoskeletons. They are beginning to understand how the various chemicals used in different types of exoskeletons affect how these creatures survive and thrive. For example, some modern species, such as drill snails, are able to use high-iron minerals to enhance the impact resistance of their shells. This feature is not only limited to their feeding advantages, but also enables them to have a stronger survival guarantee in the ecosystem. .
In addition to the chemicals, how organisms use the exoskeleton for defense is also worth noting. The exoskeletons of many animals can react quickly when attacked, triggering their self-defense mechanisms, allowing them to counterattack in time when faced with external dangers.
The defensive function of the exoskeleton allows many organisms to successfully avoid becoming prey to predators.
In the process of ecological change and evolution, the structure and material of the exoskeleton are undoubtedly the core elements for the reproduction and growth of organisms. As scientists work to uncover the deep secrets of how these creatures survive, these discoveries may change our understanding of exoskeletons and further advance biological research.
But can the relationship between the evolution of exoskeletons and the properties of their materials reveal more unknown biological mysteries?
