Difference Between Endoskeleton And Exoskeleton

Exoskeletons and endoskeletons are two different categories of support systems that can be found in the animal kingdom. An exoskeleton is an external hard covering that encases the body and serves as support and protection, whereas an endoskeleton is an internal framework made of bones or cartilage that offers support, protection, and anchorage for muscles. Invertebrates like echinoderms (like starfish) and cephalopods as well as vertebrates like humans have endoskeletons (e.g., squid).
The majority of arthropods, such as insects, crustaceans, and arachnids, as well as some mollusks, like snails and clams, on the other hand, have exoskeletons. 

Exoskeletons and endoskeletons both serve as structural supports, but they are distinct in terms of their location, make-up, and developmental origins.
Understanding these variations can help us better understand the special adaptations and skills that these various skeletal system types in animals have developed over time. 

Endoskeleton

An endoskeleton is the body's internal skeletal framework that supports and shields its internal organs.
It is made up of joints that join bones, cartilage, and ligaments to allow for movement.
Humans are among the vertebrates that have endoskeletons, along with some other invertebrates like echinoderms and cephalopods. 

Characteristics of Endoskeleton:

• Made of cartilage or bones.
• The skeletal system inside the body.
• Organs are supported and shielded by this.
• Enables flexibility and movement.
• Grows and changes alongside the animal.

Advantages of Endoskeleton:

• Allows for more flexibility and range of motion.
• Makes it possible for larger body sizes to develop.
• Greater weight capacity than an exoskeleton.
• Can regenerate and repair harmed tissues and bones.

Disadvantages of Endoskeleton:

• Energy is needed to maintain and repair.
• Vulnerable to illness and injury.
• Can in some circumstances limit growth and mobility.

Exoskeleton

An exoskeleton is a hard external shell that surrounds the body and offers support and defense.
It is primarily found in arthropods like insects, crustaceans, and arachnids as well as some mollusks. It is made of chitin, a hard, protective polysaccharide. 

Characteristics of Exoskeleton:

• Made of chitin.
• External hard covering.
• Limits growth and mobility.
• Offers support and protection for the body.
• To allow for growth, it must molt or shed. 

Advantages of Exoskeleton:

• Excellent defense against predators and environmental dangers.
• Can support heavy loads compared to the size of the animal.
• Maintains structural integrity even under high physical stress.
• Offers waterproofing and desiccation resistance.

Disadvantages of Exoskeleton:

• Restrictions on growth and mobility because the animal must shed its old exoskeleton in order to grow.
• Can be heavy or bulky depending upon the creature's size.
• Limits gas exchange and calls for specialized respiratory structures.
• Vulnerable to harm and deformation if the animal experiences extreme physical stress.

Difference Between Endoskeleton & Exoskeleton

Similarities Between Endoskeleton and Exoskeleton Animals:

Examples

Endoskeletons:

• Human
• Vertebrates:-  ( Most vertebrates, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals )
• Echinoderms:-  Echinoderms, such as starfish and sea urchins.

Exoskeleton:

• Insects:- Insects, such as ants, beetles, and butterflies.
• Arachnids:- Arachnids, such as spiders, scorpions, and ticks.
• Crustaceans:- Crustaceans, such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.

Conclusion

Animals with an endoskeleton have a number of benefits. The fact that an endoskeleton provides greater flexibility and range of motion than an exoskeleton is one of its most important advantages. This improved flexibility is crucial because it enables animals to carry out a variety of motions that are necessary for activities like hunting, gathering, and mating. While on the other hand, an endoskeleton does have some drawbacks, though. An endoskeleton is a metabolic burden on the animal because it consumes a lot of energy for maintenance and repair. Furthermore, endoskeletons are susceptible to illness and injury, which can seriously harm them and restrict their ability to grow and move. In some cases, especially if the animal has a growth disorder or a skeletal deformity, an endoskeleton can restrict growth and mobility. Despite these drawbacks, endoskeletons are advantageous for animals that have them because they outweigh their drawbacks.