By Ashritha Raghavendra
September 30, 2022
– Acts as a defence mechanism against predators – Protects against extreme climatic conditions – Provides buoyancy in marine creatures – Stores energy
Image Source: Pexels
An adult sperm whale is typically 40 to 52 feet long. The mammal has the thickest skin of 14 inches, which covers the entire body, except for its underbelly. It also has the largest brain among all creatures on Earth.
Thickness: 13.5 inches
Image Source: Wikimedia
Whale sharks have grey skin with white spots. Their thick skin and teeth-like scales protect them from predators like tiger sharks, great white sharks, and killer whales.
Thickness: 4 inches
Image Source: Unsplash
Their translucent fur and the black skin underneath trap heat to keep them warm. The dense layer of underfur and 4 inches of fat underneath the skin provide insulation.
Thickness: 2 inches
Image Source: Unsplash
Even though a rhino’s skin is thick, it is extremely vulnerable to infections and injuries. Most rhinos are spotted rolling in the mud to protect their skin from the sun and insect bites.
Thickness: 2 inches
Image Source: Unsplash
A hippo’s 2-inch thick skin has no hair or sweat glands. It provides abundant protection, even against small calibre bullets. Hippos use mud or water to keep their body cool.
Thickness: 2 inches
Image Source: Unsplash
The top layer of an elephant’s skin is hard and made of keratin. Their wrinkly skin hangs loosely from the body and allows for water retention to cool the body.
Thickness: 2 inches
Image Source: Pexels
A honey badger’s skin is thicker than that of a buffalo! For their size, their incredibly thick skin adds to their fierce fighting abilities. They also have flexible skin that helps them wriggle out of the clutches of their predator.
Thickness: 0.25 inches
Image Source: Unsplash
A crocodile’s skin is often compared to armour! The bony structures on their back, tail and head are called scutes. Beneath the scutes lie another bony layer called osteoderm. A crocodile’s skin is flexible and adds agility to its movements.
Thickness: Varies Throughout the Body
Image Source: Unsplash