What is the purpose of hedgehog quills?

Beyond that basic design, however, the spines of different species are highly variable in size, shape, and function. read more

I believe the answer is predator avoidance. Most animals have had to develop suitable predator avoidance skills or attributes as a matter of survival, and the hedgehogs answer is quills, like the porcupine or the marine puffer fish. read more

Hedgehog Description. Hedgehogs are easily recognized by their spines, which are hollow hairs made stiff with keratin. Their spines are not poisonous or barbed and unlike the quills of a porcupine, cannot easily be removed from the animal. However, spines normally come out when a hedgehog sheds baby spines and replaces them with adult spines. read more

The hedgehog's back contains two large muscles that control the position of the quills. When the creature is rolled into a ball, the quills on the back protect the tucked face, feet, and belly, which are not quilled. read more