A body covering typically made of chitin that provides support and protection is called what?

A body covering typically made of chitin that provides support and protection is called what?

• A. Coelom
• B. Pseudocoelom
• C. Endoskeleton
• D. Exoskeleton

Answer: (D)

Exoskeletons are external coverings that provide both support and protection, and in arthropods they’re typically made of chitin. This sturdy outer layer helps prevent water loss and shields the animal, while growth happens by shedding the old exoskeleton and forming a new, larger one. By contrast, a coelom is a true body cavity lined by mesoderm inside the organism, a pseudocoelom is a partially lined cavity, and an endoskeleton is an internal framework of bones or cartilage. So the body covering made of chitin that provides support and protection is the exoskeleton.

Exoskeletons are external coverings that provide both support and protection, and in arthropods they’re typically made of chitin. This sturdy outer layer helps prevent water loss and shields the animal, while growth happens by shedding the old exoskeleton and forming a new, larger one. By contrast, a coelom is a true body cavity lined by mesoderm inside the organism, a pseudocoelom is a partially lined cavity, and an endoskeleton is an internal framework of bones or cartilage. So the body covering made of chitin that provides support and protection is the exoskeleton.