A skeleton keeps us upright.

A skeleton helps us to move.

A skeleton protects our organs, such as our brain, heart and lungs.

Why Do We Have Skeletons?

Guess the Animal

Can you guess which animal this skeleton belongs to?

Guess the Animal

Can you guess which animal this skeleton belongs to?

Guess the Animal

Can you guess which animal this skeleton belongs to?

Guess the Animal

Can you guess which animal this skeleton belongs to?

Guess the Animal

Can you guess which animal this skeleton belongs to?

Guess the Animal

Can you guess which animal this skeleton belongs to?

Guess the Animal

Can you guess which animal this skeleton belongs to?

Guess the Animal

Can you guess which animal this skeleton belongs to?

Guess the Animal

Can you guess which animal this skeleton belongs to?

Guess the Animal

Can you guess which animal this skeleton belongs to?

Snakes can have over 300 vertebrae (sections of back bone) with a rib attached to each one. This allows snakes to be flexible and slither along the ground.

The Function of Skeletons

Look at this skeleton. What is the function of a snake’s skeleton?

A dog’s shoulder bones are designed to be able to support the weight of its upper body. The joints in the leg bones are flexible to help the dog run.

The Function of Skeletons

Look at this skeleton. What is the function of the dog’s skeleton?

A fish has a long flexible spine to help it swim. The bones in the fins help propel the fish through the water.

The Function of Skeletons

Look at this skeleton. What is the function of the fish’s skeleton?

Different Types of Skeleton

Here are some examples of animals with exoskeletons.

Lots of animals have their skeletons inside their bodies. We call these endoskeletons. Some animals have skeletons on the outsides of their bodies. These are called exoskeletons.

Vertebrates and Invertebrates

Animals with spines (backbones) are called vertebrates. Some animals don’t have spines. They are called invertebrates.