The two sub-plots intersect at the end, with each providing answers and insight into events of the other. It is also the story of a research colony on the fringes of human territory which is threatened by pirates. Plot summaryĪrmor is the story of humanity's war against an alien race whose foot soldiers are three-meter-tall insects, referred to in the book as 'ants'. Heinlein's Starship Troopers (such as the military use of exoskeletons and insect-like alien enemies) but concentrates more on the psychological effects of violence on human beings rather than on the political aspect of the military, which was the focus of Heinlein's novel. It has some superficial similarities with Robert A. Most reptiles have scaly skin which protects them from predators in addition to water retention the crocodile's exoskeleton and the shells of the Chelonia - tortoises, turtles and terrapins.Īrmor is a military science fiction novel by John Steakley. The chalky plate, or cuttlebone, of cuttlefish also acts as armour. Fish use armour in the form of scales, whether 'cosmoid', 'ganoid' or 'placoid' and in some cases spines, such as on fish such as the stickleback. In modern times, some molluscs employ the use of shells as armour, and armour is evident in the chitinous exoskeleton of arthropods. Other dinosaurs such as ceratopsian dinosaurs as well as some sauropods such as Saltasaurus, grew armour to defend themselves, although armour in sauropods overall is uncommon. The armour took many forms, including osteoderms, spikes, horns and plates. Dinosaurs such as Ankylosaurus, as well as other Thyreophora (armoured dinosaurs such as Ankylosauria and Stegosauria), grew thick plate-like armour on their bodies as well as offensive armour appendages such as the thagomizer or a club. Armoured structures are usually composed of hardened mineral deposits, chitin, bone or keratin.Īrmour is evident on numerous animal species from both current and prehistoric times. It has therefore mostly developed in 'prey' species. Armour or armor in animals is external or superficial protection against attack by predators, formed as part of the body (rather than the behavioural use of protective external objects), usually through the hardening of body tissues, outgrowths or secretions.

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