What type of animal has a spine?
vertebrates
The 5 groups of vertebrates (animals that have a backbone) are fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Which animal has sharp spines?
Porcupines
Porcupines are large rodents with coats of sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predation. The term covers two families of animals: the Old World porcupines of family Hystricidae, and the New World porcupines of family Erethizontidae.
Do most animals have spines?
Mammals are vertebrates, which means that they all have backbones (spines). Believe it or not, most animals don’t have backbones — mammals are one of the few groups that do. All mammals, except some sea cows and sloths have seven bones in their necks. This includes giraffes who have VERY long spines!
Which animal has the best spine?
hero shrew
Dense vertebrae add strength to the little mammal’s unyielding spine. A hero shrew (Scutisorex), like this one found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is tiny but mighty thanks to its uniquely strong backbone.
What animals have flexible spines?
The tiny African mammals have an interlocking and highly flexible spine, new x-rays reveal—but they only deepen the intrigue. Discovered in 2013, Scutisorex thori is one of two known species of hero shrew. It’s named after Thor, the brawny god of strength in Norse mythology.
Do hedgehogs have quills?
With about 3,000 to 5,000 quills covering its back, the hedgehog can protect itself from predators that think it would make a tasty snack. When threatened, the hedgehog raises its quills upright in a crisscross pattern, making its body pointy and sharp.
Do hedgehogs shed their quills?
Some hedgehogs have multiple “quillings” throughout their lives. Some have a second quilling around age one, although it could be so minute that an owner doesn’t notice it. They will also lose quills throughout their lives, just like humans shed hair. Those lost quills will be replaced with new ones.
What animal has the longest spine?
the Greenland shark
New research found the longest living animal on Earth with a backbone is – a shark. The research, published in Science magazine, found the Greenland shark is the longest living vertebrate – or animal with a backbone– in the world.
Which animal has the most flexible spine?
The tiny African mammals have an interlocking and highly flexible spine, new x-rays reveal—but they only deepen the intrigue. Discovered in 2013, Scutisorex thori is one of two known species of hero shrew. It’s named after Thor, the brawny god of strength in Norse mythology.
What animal has the most flexible neck?
Anatomy of a Giraffe. Certain characteristics of giraffe necks give them a flexibility rivaling any Slinky. The first feature is the way that the vertebrae in the neck, called the cervical vertebrae, are joined together. Remember that giraffes have seven of these bones, just like we do.
Is a porcupine a hedgehog?
Hedgehogs are small mammals with cone-shaped faces, short legs and bodies that are covered with porcupine-like quills. Despite their similar appearances, porcupines and hedgehogs are not closely related. Unlike porcupines, hedgehog quills are not easily detached from their bodies, according to Animal Planet.
Which animal has quills on its body?
porcupine
The porcupine is the prickliest of rodents, though its Latin name means “quill pig.” There are more than two dozen porcupine species, and all boast a coat of needle-like quills to give predators a sharp reminder that this animal is no easy meal.
What are some spiny bodied animals?
Hedgehog.
What is animal covered in spines?
The hedgehog is a prickly mammal that is covered with brown- and white-colored spines, although its head is also covered with hair. By way of protecting itself from predators, the hedgehog pulls its spines erect or reduces itself into a ball so as to keep its vulnerable belly out of the predators’ sight.
What is a name for a spiny animal called?
The starfish or sea star belongs to the family of echinoderms. The name echinoderm itself means spiny skin, so it is no surprise that most animals belonging to this family have spiny exteriors. The Crown of thorns starfish, however, is one of the most vibrant looking of these spiny animals.
What is the meaning of spiny skin animals?
Echinoderms are members of the phylum Echinodermata which is a group of marine animals. The term is derived from Greek words which mean ‘spiny skin’. The Echinodermata phylum has about 7,000 species representing all types of marine habitats except fresh-water and land-based (terrestrial) habitats. Echinoderms include sea urchins, sand dollars, sea cucumbers, sea lilies, and starfish or sea stars.