What type of skeleton is composed of bones and cartilage providing support for vertebrates?

The type of skeleton that is composed of bones and cartilage, providing support for vertebrates, is known as the endoskeleton. This internal framework is crucial for various functions, including protection of internal organs, support for the body structure, and facilitating movement through connections with muscles.

In vertebrates, the endoskeleton is primarily made up of bone and cartilage, allowing flexibility and strength, which are essential for the various activities these organisms engage in, such as running, swimming, or flying, depending on their evolutionary adaptations.

In contrast, other types of skeletons, such as the exoskeleton, are external structures found in some invertebrates and do not provide the same type of support internally. The appendicular and axial skeleton refer to specific parts of the endoskeleton; the appendicular skeleton includes the limbs and pelvic girdles, while the axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. Therefore, while both appendicular and axial skeletons are components of the endoskeleton, the endoskeleton as a whole encompasses all the bones and cartilage that support the body of vertebrates.