Why is it important that cartilage in the skeleton have some give or spring to it?

Cartilage's ability to have some give or spring is essential for maintaining joint flexibility and absorbing shock during movement. This elasticity helps to reduce friction between bones, allowing for smoother motion and preventing wear and tear. Additionally, the spring-like quality of cartilage aids in distributing loads evenly across joints, which is crucial for overall skeletal health and function. Without this property, joints would be more susceptible to injury and degeneration.