Question

Which of the following is not an advantage of the exoskeleton in arthropods and mollusca?

• A. Provides protection from predators
• B. Provides a rigid place for muscles to insert against which they can do work
• C. Enhances sensory perception
• D. Permits greater range of movement than body plan without a rigid skeletal structures

Answer 1

The correct option is D Permits greater range of movement than body plan without a rigid skeletal structures

An exoskeleton is the rigid covering present on the external side of many invertebrates like arthropods and mollusca. It provides many advantages to the animal. It supports the structure of an animal. It also protects animal against attack of predators. It also protects the damage of the internal organs. It protects animals from desiccation. In these animals, muscles are attached directly to the interior of the exoskeleton without tendons and ligaments. This provides larger surface area for the muscle for attachment and hence enhances movement associated with feeding, locomotion, sensory perception and defense. It limits the size of an organism. Hence, it permits only limited movement than body plan without a rigid skeletal structures.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.