IntroductionThe animal body has developed various mechanisms to defend itself. There are many animal species that have adapted in different ways to protect themselves. Protective measures usually boil down to fight or flight. On one hand, the animal could protect itself by confronting what is hurting it, while on the other, it could try to run, hide or defend itself as much as it can. The bodies of various animals have different ways of flying and fighting. These mechanisms fall into three broad categories: body coverings, body parts, and animal behaviors. Each of these different types of adaptation plays an essential role in the animal's survival. Body Protective Mechanisms Many animals have evolved specific body parts adapted to survive in specific environments. Among these adaptations are sharp claws, webbed feet, whiskers, large beaks, sharp teeth, wings and hooves. The development of webbed feet helps aquatic animals swim. The feet propel the animals through the water quite easily. This mechanism helps the animal escape a predator (Arthur, 1997). Many land animals have developed sharp claws that are used for a variety of purposes. Carnivores use their claws to defend themselves. Retracting the claws is enough warning for competitors or even predators to back off. Some animals like the cat family have developed whiskers that serve as feelers. Whiskers are important defense adaptations because they help the animal detect its prey (Arthur, 1997). Perhaps one of the most visible defense mechanisms of the animal body is the sharp teeth found in carnivores. Besides their usual use for tearing and chewing meat, the sharp teeth are used for defense. The presence of large te...... middle of paper ......other threats to ensure their survival. The body's primary defense mechanisms fall into three broad categories: body coverings, body parts, and behaviors. Body parts such as sharp claws, webbed feet, whiskers, large beaks, sharp teeth, wings and hooves are essential for survival. The same goes for behaviors such as fight and flight. Besides protection from external enemies, animal bodies have also evolved mechanisms to protect themselves from diseases and pathogens. This is achieved through two lines of defense; primary and secondary defense mechanisms. The first line of defense against foreign bodies is carried out mainly using the skin, digestive and respiratory tract. The secondary line of defense is provided by mobile cells abundant in the bloodstream, which scan the surface of cells throughout the animal's body..