Support and Movement

Abstract

Nearly all animals possess some form of supporting structure. This varies from small strengthening rods in protozoa to the complex vertebrate endoskeleton. Besides supporting the soft body-tissues skeletons may protect delicate internal structures and generally aid locomotion. Animals need to move from place to place

• 1 to capture food,

• 2 to avoid predators,

• 3 to seek a mate during reproductive activity and

• 4 for dispersal and colonization of new areas.

Such locomotion occurs through integrated activity between the animal’s nervous, muscular and skeletal systems.