Why caterpillars have a skeleton?

Caterpillars don't have a skeleton in the same way that humans and other vertebrates do. They have an exoskeleton, which is a hard, protective outer layer made of chitin.

Here's why caterpillars have an exoskeleton:

* Protection: It acts as a shield against predators and helps prevent dehydration.

* Support: It provides structural support, allowing the caterpillar to move and crawl.

* Muscle attachment: Muscles attach to the exoskeleton, allowing the caterpillar to move its body.

However, the exoskeleton doesn't grow with the caterpillar. As the caterpillar grows, it sheds its exoskeleton in a process called molting. This allows the caterpillar to grow a new, larger exoskeleton.

So, while caterpillars don't have an internal skeleton like vertebrates, their exoskeleton serves a similar purpose by providing protection, support, and a place for muscle attachment.