What are hooves, claws, and nails made of?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What are hooves, claws, and nails made of?

The Big Idea

Hooves, claws, and fingernails! They look different. What are they made of?

Tough Protein

Step one: Tough Protein. Hooves, claws, and nails are all made of keratin, a tough protein. Your fingernails and hair are made of keratin too.

Different Shapes

Step two: Different Shapes. In a horse, keratin forms a thick, hard hoof, and in a cat, it shapes a sharp, curved claw. In a monkey, it forms a flat nail.

Growing and Wearing

Step three: Growing and Wearing. The material is the same, but the shape changes to match the job. Keratin grows from the base and wears off at the tip, just like your nails.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Thick. Curved. Flat. Covered.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Animal horns, like a sheep's, are covered in keratin too. Hair is keratin. Keratin grows from the base. Same stuff, different shapes.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Look at your fingernail. Look at a picture of a claw. Look at a picture of a hoof. Write one way each is alike. Write one way each is different.

Outro

Hooves, claws, and nails are all made of keratin, the same tough protein as your fingernails and hair. Horses have thick hooves, cats curved claws, and monkeys flat nails. Keratin grows from the base and wears at the tip. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!