Secrets of the Skull
Skulls might look spooky on pirate flags or as Halloween decorations, but in real life, they are natureās ultimate protective helmets. From guarding your brain to helping you chomp your favorite snacks, there is a lot to discover beneath the surface!
Built-in helmet: Your skull acts like a tough, natural shield made of 22 separate bones that fit together snugly to keep your brain safe.
The only mover: Out of all the bones in your head, only one can actually move. The lower jaw, called the mandible, hinges up and down so you can talk, laugh, and chew.
Creature features: Skulls come in amazing shapes across the animal kingdom. Woodpeckers even have spongy, shock-absorbing skulls so their heads do not hurt while pecking tree bark!
Celebration symbols: Skulls are not just for frights. In celebrations like DĆa de los Muertos, colorful sugar skulls are decorated with bright flowers and big smiles to celebrate joyful family memories.
