Chitin

Chitin is a very special material that you can find in nature. It is made of long chains of a sugar-like substance and is the second most common natural material in the world.

You can find chitin in the hard shells of crabs, shrimps, and lobsters. It is also in the outer coverings of insects and other creatures like spiders. Even fungi have chitin in their cell walls. Some sea animals, like squid and octopuses, have chitin in their beaks, too!

Because chitin is strong and useful, people use it in many ways. It can help make medicines, improve food, and even make paper stronger. Scientists are always finding new ways to use chitin to help people and nature.