What is the hard external covering that encases the body of arthropods called?

What is the hard external covering that encases the body of arthropods called?

• A. Endoskeleton
• B. Cartilage
• C. Exoskeleton
• D. Dermal layer

Answer: (C)

An arthropod’s body is encased in a hard external covering called the exoskeleton. This outer shell, largely made of chitin, provides protection and serves as a surface for muscle attachment, which is essential for movement. Because it sits on the outside, arthropods grow by molting—shed the old exoskeleton and form a new, larger one as they increase in size. This is different from an internal skeleton (endoskeleton) found in vertebrates, while cartilage is a connective tissue within such internal skeletons, and a dermal layer refers to skin rather than the entire protective covering.

An arthropod’s body is encased in a hard external covering called the exoskeleton. This outer shell, largely made of chitin, provides protection and serves as a surface for muscle attachment, which is essential for movement. Because it sits on the outside, arthropods grow by molting—shed the old exoskeleton and form a new, larger one as they increase in size. This is different from an internal skeleton (endoskeleton) found in vertebrates, while cartilage is a connective tissue within such internal skeletons, and a dermal layer refers to skin rather than the entire protective covering.