The main thing is that the suit fits: animals have outstanding skin (9 photos)
The skin is the largest organ. And if we, humans, are provided with additional protection by clothing, then our smaller brothers in the process of evolution had to resort to a variety of tricks. And at the same time become special.
The fattest
The owner of truly armor-piercing skin up to 35 centimeters thick is the sperm whale. Which is understandable: in the neighborhood this mammal has a lot of all kinds of sharp-toothed small fry that are not averse to feasting on the giant’s meat.
The most sensitive
Oddly enough, crocodiles have skin that is more sensitive in receptivity than the fingers of a skilled surgeon. On the sides of the body and around the mouth of predators there are special tubercles that can detect the slightest vibrations in water. This makes crocodiles skilled hunters and helps fanged mothers release cubs from eggs without causing the slightest harm to the little crocodiles.
The thinnest
The inhabitants of Africa, spiny mice, have practically tissue paper skins. These animals are distinguished by increased fluffiness compared to other brothers. And due to the large number of hair follicles, the skin instantly tears. As compensation, nature has endowed mice with an increased ability to regenerate: within a day, damage to the body is restored by more than 60%. Including sweat glands, cartilage, etc. Without the formation of scars. And this mouse ability is definitely worth exploring in more detail.
Fittest
Cuttlefish and octopuses can easily and naturally adapt to their environment, taking on the desired texture, shape, color, and brightness. Blending into the terrain is about these cephalopods. This is how they survive. But something else is interesting: how do these rather primitive creatures obtain enough data to quickly make all the necessary changes? Chameleons are endowed with similar abilities.
Most absorbent
The recognized record holder in this area is the Australian moloch lizard. This scary, spiky creature, which can be easily filmed in horror films without makeup, is a living sponge. There are special depressions in the skin of a lizard, when moisture gets into them, it is redirected through special channels straight into the mouth. If the thirst is not too strong, then the moloch can store water reserves in the body for some time.
Most breathable
This sweet little creature is a living advertisement for diapers; due to its appearance, the Kalimantan barburula cannot be. Although functionally, who else but this frog should do this? An amphibian does not have lungs as an organ in principle. Therefore, the only way of breathing available to her is through the skin. It is very inconvenient, but a flat carcass and a slow metabolism almost completely solve the problem and make the life of the barburul quite comfortable. At least by frog standards.
The most herbal
And this marvelous creature would be very suitable for the position of caretaker: very practical, rational and economical sea slugs. They can photosynthesize, just like green plants do. How exactly is unknown, but the cunning relatives of snails have learned to introduce algae cells into their DNA. And with their help, produce chlorophyll, using which it is quite possible to do without food, feeding on the Holy Spirit with sunlight.
What skin benefit would you not give up?