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An ancient synapsid, Dimetrodon, had extremely long spines on its backbone that were joined together with a web of skin that formed a sail-like structure. Many mammalian species, like cats and fossas, [1] [2] also have penile spines. The Mesozoic eutriconodont mammal Spinolestes already displayed spines similar to those of modern spiny mice. [3]
Prickles on a blackberry branch. In plant morphology, thorns, spines, and prickles, and in general spinose structures (sometimes called spinose teeth or spinose apical processes), are hard, rigid extensions or modifications of leaves, roots, stems, or buds with sharp, stiff ends, and generally serve the same function: physically defending plants against herbivory.
A cat's skin has the same color as the fur, but the color of the nose leather is probably dictated by a dedicated gene. Cats with white fur have skin susceptible to damage by ultraviolet light, which may cause cancer. Extra care is required when outside in the hot sun. [8]
Felines, especially domestic cats, are well known for having penile spines. Upon withdrawal of a cat's penis, the spines rake the walls of the female's vagina, which may serve as a trigger for ovulation. [4] [5] Many other felid species have penile spines, but they are relatively small in jaguars and pumas, and do not occur in margays. [6]
Prickles and thorns are an evolved defense against herbivores — animals that eat plants — and can also aid in growth, plant competition and water retention, according to the study. It was ...
The spines help protect the seeds from being eaten by critters like birds and squirrels. Here's what each of the pods looks like. ... which are followed by prickly or spiny capsules that split ...
Plants have also developed sharp structures, such as thorns, spines, and prickles, as defensive mechanisms to deter herbivores. These structures, found in species like cacti and roses, have pointed, sometimes serrated edges to maximize damage while requiring minimal energy to maintain.
The spines are the relatively large, radiating organs; the glochids are the fine prickles in the centres of the bunches. Glochids ( Opuntia microdasys monstrose ) Glochids or glochidia ( sg. : "glochidium") are hair-like spines or short prickles, generally barbed, found on the areoles of cacti in the sub-family Opuntioideae .