Northwest Wildlife: fur, scales & feathers

Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com

Preservation Through Education

NORTHWEST WILDLIFE PRESERVATION SOCIETY


THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

C L A W S

S K I N

F U R

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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.

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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.

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Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society t 604.568.4907 f 604-568-6152 w www.northwestwildlife.com 4


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


dehydration.

Tough scales

also help to

protect reptiles

from predators

while also

aiding in

camouflage.

Some scales

become

highly

modified, like

in the case of

the rattle-

snake’s rattle

which serves

as a warning

to other

creatures.

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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

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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.

8 Written by Darren Colello and designed by Anitra Paris

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Northwest Wildlife: fur, scales & feathers