{"id":42949,"date":"2024-10-17T20:01:42","date_gmt":"2024-10-17T18:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/630fedc5-ea7b-4c98-a7fe-938313ec56d5"},"modified":"2024-10-17T21:27:24","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T19:27:24","slug":"what-are-osteoderms-discover-natures-hidden-armour","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/rss_feed\/what-are-osteoderms-discover-natures-hidden-armour\/","title":{"rendered":"What are osteoderms? Discover nature\u2019s hidden armour"},"content":{"rendered":"

Osteoderms are seen in reptiles and a few mammals but what exactly are they – and how do they form? <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 17 October 2024 at 18:01 PM<\/p>

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The translation of osteoderm is bone (osteo) in skin (derm), which is exactly what they are. Osteoderms are the result of bone tissue forming in the skin. <\/strong><\/p>

This occurs in the scales of crocodiles, alligators<\/a> and other reptiles, and in mammals such as armadillos. Osteoderms provide armour- like protection against predators. A rolled-up armadillo, for example, is almost entirely encased in bone.<\/p>

And it’s not just predators they offer protection against as osteoderms have also been seen to deflect bullets.<\/p>

Are any animals bulletproof?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
In crocodilians, osteoderms also aid temperature regulation, containing a network of blood<\/a> vessels that can transfer heat to and from the animal\u2019s surroundings.<\/p>
Dinosaurs also had osteoderms<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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