Hardened Exoskeletons:
* Insects: Most insects have a tough, protective exoskeleton made of chitin. This provides defense against predators and helps maintain their body structure. Examples include beetles, ants, cockroaches, and many more.
* Crustaceans: Crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and other crustaceans possess hard exoskeletons made of calcium carbonate. This serves as their armor and provides protection against predators.
* Turtles: These reptiles have a protective shell made of bony plates covered by keratin. This hard shell protects them from predators and offers a secure space to retreat.
Bony Plates:
* Dinosaurs: Many dinosaurs, such as Stegosaurus and Ankylosaurus, evolved bony plates and spikes to provide defensive armor.
* Fish: Some fish, like the pufferfish, have bony plates or spines that inflate to deter predators.
* Armadillos: These mammals possess bony plates embedded within their skin, forming a protective shell.
Other Forms of Armor:
* Porcupines: These rodents have barbed quills that detach and embed in attackers, providing a painful and effective defense.
* Pangolins: These mammals are covered in overlapping scales made of keratin, similar to human fingernails. These scales serve as a protective armor against predators.
* Hedgehogs: These small mammals have sharp spines made of keratin that they can erect when threatened, deterring predators.
* Sea urchins: These echinoderms have a hard, spiny shell that offers protection against predators.
* Mollusks: Many mollusks, like snails and clams, possess shells made of calcium carbonate for protection.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and many other animals possess various adaptations that function as armor, even if it's not traditionally thought of as such, like thick hides, strong claws, or venom.