1. Exploring Defense Strategies: Protective Coverings
Porcupines, hedgehogs, crabs and cactuses all use the same spiny strategy. After a few painful encounters, a predator will look for less prickly prey.
The porcupine and hedgehog both have hundreds of prickly spines that will protect its softer body from being attacked by predators. The hedgehog can roll up into a spiny ball, exposing as little of its softer parts as possible!
The sea urchin and spiny crab both have very tough, prickly coverings that deter predators - who would want to try to get past those spines for a meal?