Animals With Spines
In Animals With Spines, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod presents porcupines and how their quills have evolved as a defense mechanism. Learn how these animals, with their distinctive spines and quills, have adapted to survive in the wild as you discover how porcupines’ quills have evolved to detach and protect them from predators. This video is excerpted from Secrets of Skin, a documentary series exploring the natural history of the body’s largest organ.
Featuring groundbreaking new science, experiments and leading scientists from a variety of disciplines, the series unravels the natural history of the body's largest organ. Learn more.
Lesson Express
Q: What kinds of animals have spines or quills?
A: Animals like porcupines, hedgehogs, and echidnas have spines or quills as part of their defense mechanisms.
Q: What do porcupines do when a predator approaches?
A: When a predator approaches, porcupines spread their quills and turn their backs to make it difficult for the predator to attack.
Q: How have porcupine quills evolved?
A: Porcupine quills have evolved to be detachable, allowing them to embed in predators and act as a defense mechanism.