Scale
비늘
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<speciesfyi-glossary slug="scale"></speciesfyi-glossary>Definition
A small, rigid plate forming part of a reptile's skin, providing protection and reducing water loss.
Detailed Explanation
Reptile scales are solid epidermal structures quite different from fish scales — they are folds of skin rather than individual bony plates. Scale texture and color serve camouflage, thermoregulation (dark scales absorb more heat), and social signaling — chameleons and some lizards rapidly alter skin color through chromatophore cells. The periodic shedding (ecdysis) of the outer keratinous layer allows scale replacement and removal of parasites.