6 Types of Odd Body Armor

The video explores the concept of armor in nature, highlighting various organisms and their unique protective adaptations. It covers ants with chitin cuticles, leaf cutter ants with mineralized coatings, and the heavily armored Atlantic alligator fish. The video also discusses whale sharks' eye denticles, mantis shrimps' telson armor, Daphnia's adaptable defenses, and bacteria's biofilm protection against phages and antibiotics. These examples illustrate the diverse and clever ways natural armor evolves to protect against threats.

What is the primary component of an ant's cuticle that serves as armor?

• Calcium carbonate

• Chitin

• Keratin

• Silica

Why do leaf cutter ants have a magnesium calcite coating on their cuticles?

• To make their cuticles harder and tougher

• To enhance their speed

• To improve their camouflage

• To help them climb trees

What is notable about the armor of the Atlantic alligator fish?

• It is made of chitin

• It is 10 times larger than its skeleton by volume

• It is transparent

• It is used for camouflage

What might the dermal denticles on a whale shark's eyes help prevent?

• Predator attacks

• Overheating

• Water loss

• Mechanical damage

Why do whale sharks roll their eyeballs back into their sockets?

• To communicate with other sharks

• To hunt better

• To protect their eyes

• To sleep

What is the function of the telson in mantis shrimp?

• To attract mates

• To absorb impacts during fights

• To store food

• To help them swim

How do mantis shrimp use their telson during fights?

• As a weapon to attack

• To camouflage themselves

• To signal surrender

• As a shield to absorb punches

What is unique about the armor of Daphnia?

• It is invisible

• It is made of metal

• It changes based on the predators present

• It is permanent

How do some bacteria protect themselves from antibiotics?

• By changing color

• By forming biofilms

• By hiding in soil

• By moving quickly

What is the role of biofilms in bacterial protection?

• They protect bacteria from drying out and antibiotics

• They allow bacteria to photosynthesize

• They make bacteria more visible

• They help bacteria move faster