Class
JSS2
Term
Third Term
Week
Week 3
Topic
Types and Functions of Skeletons
Duration
40 Minutes
Instructional Materials
- Charts showing different types of skeletons
- Pictures of man, fish, grasshopper, snail, crab, and earthworm
- Human skeleton model
- Shell of snail
- Insect specimens
- Video clips on animal skeletons
Reference Books
- NERDC Basic Science Curriculum for JSS
- STAN Basic Science for Junior Secondary Schools
- Evans Basic Science for Junior Secondary Schools
- Comprehensive Basic Science by A.O. Ogunniyi
Specific Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define skeleton.
- State the different types of skeletons.
- Explain the characteristics of each type of skeleton.
- Identify animals with different types of skeletons.
- State the functions of skeletons.
- Differentiate between endoskeleton, exoskeleton, and hydrostatic skeleton.
Introduction
Animals need support to maintain their shape and protect their internal organs. This support is provided by the skeleton.
Different animals possess different types of skeletons depending on their body structure and habitat. The three major types of skeletons are endoskeleton, exoskeleton, and hydrostatic skeleton.
Meaning of Skeleton
A skeleton is the supporting framework of an organism that gives shape, support, and protection to the body.
Types of Skeletons
There are three major types of skeleton:
- Endoskeleton
- Exoskeleton
- Hydrostatic Skeleton
1. Endoskeleton
An endoskeleton is a skeleton found inside the body.
It is made up of bones and cartilages.
Characteristics of Endoskeleton
- Located inside the body.
- Made of bones and cartilages.
- Grows along with the organism.
- Provides support and protection.
- Allows flexibility and movement.
Animals with Endoskeleton
Examples include:
- Human beings
- Birds
- Fish
- Frogs
- Lizards
- Snakes
- Dogs
- Cats
Advantages of Endoskeleton
- Supports large body size.
- Grows with the organism.
- Provides protection for internal organs.
- Allows easy movement.
Disadvantages of Endoskeleton
- Internal organs may still be injured by external force.
- Bones can break or fracture.
2. Exoskeleton
An exoskeleton is a hard covering found on the outside of the body.
It is made mainly of chitin, calcium carbonate, or other hard substances.
Characteristics of Exoskeleton
- Located outside the body.
- Hard and rigid.
- Protects soft internal organs.
- Does not grow continuously with the organism.
- Must be shed and replaced during growth (moulting).
Animals with Exoskeleton
Examples include:
- Grasshopper
- Cockroach
- Crab
- Prawn
- Snail
- Beetle
- Spider
Advantages of Exoskeleton
- Protects the body from injury.
- Prevents water loss.
- Gives shape to the body.
- Protects against predators.
Disadvantages of Exoskeleton
- Restricts body growth.
- Organisms must moult to grow.
- Heavy exoskeleton may reduce flexibility.
Moulting
Moulting is the process by which animals shed their old exoskeleton and replace it with a new one.
Animals that Moult:
- Grasshopper
- Cockroach
- Crab
- Snake (sheds skin)
3. Hydrostatic Skeleton
A hydrostatic skeleton is a skeleton formed by fluid-filled spaces within the body.
The fluid exerts pressure that supports the body.
Characteristics of Hydrostatic Skeleton
- Contains fluid under pressure.
- Flexible and soft.
- Allows movement through muscle contraction.
- Found mainly in soft-bodied animals.
Animals with Hydrostatic Skeleton
Examples include:
- Earthworm
- Jellyfish
- Sea anemone
- Hydra
Advantages of Hydrostatic Skeleton
- Allows flexibility.
- Enables easy movement.
- Lightweight.
- No hard structures required.
Disadvantages of Hydrostatic Skeleton
- Provides little protection.
- Cannot support large body sizes.
- Easily damaged.
Comparison of Types of Skeleton
| Feature |
Endoskeleton |
Exoskeleton |
Hydrostatic Skeleton |
| Position |
Inside body |
Outside body |
Fluid-filled body cavity |
| Composition |
Bones and cartilage |
Chitin or hard shell |
Fluid and muscles |
| Growth |
Grows with body |
Requires moulting |
Grows with body |
| Protection |
Moderate |
High |
Low |
| Examples |
Human, fish |
Grasshopper, snail |
Earthworm, jellyfish |
Functions of Skeletons
Skeletons perform the following functions:
1. Support
They provide support and maintain body shape.
2. Protection
They protect delicate internal organs.
Examples:
- Skull protects the brain.
- Rib cage protects the heart and lungs.
- Shell protects the snail.
3. Movement
Skeletons work with muscles to enable movement.
4. Shape
They give organisms their characteristic body shape.
5. Blood Cell Production
In vertebrates, bones produce blood cells in the bone marrow.
6. Storage of Minerals
Bones store minerals such as:
Practical Activities
Activity 1: Observe Different Animals
Observe pictures or specimens of man, grasshopper, snail, and earthworm.
Observation: Each animal possesses a different type of skeleton.
Conclusion: Animals have different skeletons according to their body structure.
Activity 2: Examine Snail Shell
Observe a snail shell.
Observation: The shell is hard and external.
Conclusion: Snail possesses an exoskeleton.
Activity 3: Observe Human Skeleton Model
Observe a skeleton model.
Observation: Bones are located inside the body.
Conclusion: Humans possess an endoskeleton.
Conclusion
Skeletons provide support, protection, and movement in animals. The three major types are endoskeleton, exoskeleton, and hydrostatic skeleton. Different animals possess different skeletons depending on their body structure and way of life.
Evaluation
Answer the following questions:
- Define skeleton.
- State the three types of skeletons.
- Explain endoskeleton with examples.
- Explain exoskeleton with examples.
- What is hydrostatic skeleton?
- Define moulting.
- Mention four animals with exoskeleton.
- State four functions of skeletons.
- Differentiate between endoskeleton and exoskeleton.
- State two advantages of hydrostatic skeleton.
Objective Questions
Choose the correct answer from A–D.
- The supporting framework of an organism is called ______.
A. tissue
B. muscle
C. skeleton
D. cartilage
Answer: C
- The skeleton found inside the body is called ______.
A. exoskeleton
B. hydrostatic skeleton
C. endoskeleton
D. cartilage
Answer: C
- Which of the following animals has an exoskeleton?
A. Human being
B. Fish
C. Grasshopper
D. Frog
Answer: C
- The skeleton of an earthworm is ______.
A. endoskeleton
B. exoskeleton
C. hydrostatic skeleton
D. cartilage
Answer: C
- The hard covering of insects is made mainly of ______.
A. protein
B. fat
C. chitin
D. starch
Answer: C
- Shedding of exoskeleton is called ______.
A. germination
B. moulting
C. fertilization
D. budding
Answer: B
- Which of the following animals possesses an endoskeleton?
A. Snail
B. Crab
C. Human being
D. Cockroach
Answer: C
- The shell of a snail is an example of ______.
A. hydrostatic skeleton
B. exoskeleton
C. endoskeleton
D. cartilage
Answer: B
- Bones store ______.
A. minerals
B. carbohydrates
C. proteins
D. vitamins
Answer: A
- The skull protects the ______.
A. lungs
B. kidney
C. brain
D. liver
Answer: C
Essay Questions
- Define skeleton and explain its functions.
- Differentiate between endoskeleton, exoskeleton, and hydrostatic skeleton.
- Explain moulting and state its importance.
- State the advantages and disadvantages of exoskeleton.
- Draw a table comparing the three types of skeletons.
Assignment
- List five animals with endoskeleton and five with exoskeleton.
- Explain the process of moulting in insects.
- State six functions of the skeleton.
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