What are some major advantages and disadvantages of and arthropods exoskeleton?

Question

What are some major advantages and disadvantages of and arthropods exoskeleton?

Answer 1

Advantages;

1. Supplies protection against environment.

2. Is hydrophobic. Can thus not get wet which will make it heavy and limit movement.

3. Gives surface for muscle attachment.

4. Provides good camouflage.

Disadvantage.

1. Cannot stretch and the organism must thus moult.

2. Movement is limited to the joints.

3. Growth is limited by the hard skeleton.

4. An internal breathing surface is required.