What is the purpose of scales and shells in animals?

Simply put: they are nature's body armor. Shells serve as protection from attack, and in some cases actually serve as a sort of hot air balloon, like in the case of the Nautilus. read more

Many hermit crabs and other crustaceans not only protect from attack, but also allow the growth of algae and plants, forming natural camouflage. Armadillos are one example of the few mammals with shells. Scales come in a number of forms, but all serve their purpose. read more

Well turtles for one, have extremely hard shells, since they are 99% bone. Armadillos don’t technically have shells, but they do have a very hard, scale-like, covering on their bodies. The hardest in the world, that I know of, is the giant clam. read more

Perhaps no other animals are as famous for their shells as turtles are. Despite the various forms their shells can take, all living turtles possess shells, which influence their lifestyles, diets and life histories significantly. Several different turtle species make good pets, although many require large cages or outdoor pens. read more