Why do armadillos have armor?
For grown-ups: the science
Armadillos have hard armor to help protect their softer bodies from bites and scratches.
Armadillo armor is made of bony plates called osteoderms, covered by keratinized skin. It provides protection, though the degree of curling into a ball varies by species; the three-banded armadillo is especially known for fully curling.
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Transcript
Look at that armadillo walking with its bumpy back. Why does it have armor?
An armadillo’s back is covered with hard plates beneath its skin. The plates help protect its body from bites and scratches.
The plates are made from bone, with a tough skin covering. They are joined in bands, so the armadillo can bend and walk.
When trouble comes close, some armadillos curl into a ball. Their hard armor covers the softer parts of their bodies.
So an armadillo’s armor is a built-in shield. It helps keep its body safer while it looks for food.