Definitions
- Describing the bony external plates on the shell of a turtle or tortoise. - Referring to the hard, protective scales on the skin of certain reptiles. - Talking about the individual segments that make up the exoskeleton of arthropods.
- Describing the thin, flat plates that cover the skin of fish. - Referring to the graduated markings on a measuring instrument. - Talking about the relative size or proportion of something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to a type of protective covering.
- 2Both words are used to describe animals.
- 3Both words can be used as nouns or verbs.
- 4Both words have a specific meaning in biology and zoology.
What is the difference?
- 1Location: Scutes are found on the shells of turtles and tortoises, while scales are found on the skin of fish and reptiles.
- 2Texture: Scutes are typically harder and more bony than scales, which are thinner and more flexible.
- 3Function: Scutes provide protection and support for the animal, while scales aid in movement and regulate body temperature.
- 4Measurement: Scale can refer to a measuring instrument or a system of measurement, while scute does not have a measurement-related meaning.
- 5Usage: Scale is a more versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while scute is more specialized and less commonly used.
Remember this!
Scute and scale are both words used to describe protective coverings on animals, but they differ in location, texture, function, measurement, and usage. Scutes are bony plates found on the shells of turtles and tortoises or the exoskeleton of arthropods, while scales are thin, flat plates found on the skin of fish and reptiles. Scutes provide protection and support, while scales aid in movement and regulate body temperature.
