ulkorakenteet
Ulkorakenteet, literally "exoskeletons" in Finnish, are external structural supports that provide protection and support for various organisms, most notably arthropods, certain molluscs, and some marine invertebrates. Unlike internal skeletons, exoskeletons are composed of chitin, a long-chain polysaccharide, reinforced with various calcium salts such as calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate, and in some cases proteinaceous compounds. The composition confers both flexibility and hardness, allowing organisms to withstand mechanical stresses and predation.
The primary functions of ulkorakenteet include mechanical protection, preventing desiccation in terrestrial species, facilitating locomotion by
Exoskeletons also exhibit remarkable diversity. For instance, the exoskeleton of a beetle is heavily sclerotised with
From an evolutionary standpoint, ulkorakenteet are a hallmark of the Cambrian explosion, providing a protective advantage