An internal skeleton that provides structural support from within the body, found in vertebrates and some other animals. Endoskeletons can grow continuously with the animal and are typically made of bone or cartilage.
From Greek 'endo' meaning inside and 'skeleton' from Greek 'skeletos' meaning dried up body. The term was developed in the 1800s to contrast with exoskeleton as scientists classified different skeletal systems.
Endoskeletons are evolutionary game-changers that allowed animals to grow much larger than their exoskeleton-wearing cousins, since internal skeletons can grow continuously without vulnerable molting periods! This innovation enabled the evolution of massive dinosaurs and today's largest land animals like elephants.
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