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Arthropods molt (moult) in a process called ecdysis. It is necessary for growth because of the inflexibility of the exoskeleton. The old shell remnants are called exuviae.

Note that the term 'anthropod' should not be confused with 'arthropod'; anthropods are humans or humanoids and do not moult in the canonic sense.

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How are arthropods supported?

The body of arthropods is physically supported by an external skeleton (exoskeleton) made of a tough protein called chitin. Because it is inflexible, arthropods need to shed it entirely in order to grow in size.


How are arthropods able to grow bigger within their exoskeleton?

Because of a process called Ecdysis (also known as moulting) arthropods are able to grow bigger. In ecdysis old exoskeleton is shed and new one (slightly bigger) covers the body.


How do arthropods grow?

Since arthropods have a rigid exoskeleton, in order to grow they need to moult their entire skin, then wait for the new exoskeleton to harden. Some of them eat the old exoskeleton in order to recapture the mineral content. Since many (like the crustaceans) are vulnerable during this stage, they need to hide for a while. The moulting process for some arthropods also integrates with the limb regeneration function.


Is the exoskeleton of the arthropod shed during molting?

Most only do so in larval/juvenile stages, when it's time to grow. Some arthropods such as tarantula females continue growing and molting until death. Also, when damage has occurred (torn off leg for example) molting can be induced earlier to develop and grow new appendages. :)


What is an arthropod's body covering?

The external covering on arthropods is called the exoskeleton (or cuticle). It is made of a tough protein called chitin, a long chain polymer comparable to cellulose. Because it's inflexible, arthropods need to shed it (moult) in order to grow.

Related Questions

How do arthropods grow bigger?

Arthropods grow bigger by shedding their exoskeleton in a process called molting. After molting, the arthropod secretes a new, larger exoskeleton, which allows it to grow until the next molting cycle. This process continues throughout their lifespan, enabling them to increase in size.


Do arthropods shed?

Yes, owing to their hard chitinous exoskeleton, arthropods are compelled to shed (moult) periodically in order to grow, a process called ecdysis.


What enables arthropods to increase in size?

Since the external covering (exoskeleton) is inflexible, it's necessary for arthropods to periodically shed it (moult) in order to grow, a process called ecdysis.


How do arthropods molt and what purpose does this process serve in their life cycle?

Arthropods molt by shedding their exoskeleton to grow larger. This process, called molting, allows them to accommodate their increasing size and develop into their next life stage. Molting is essential for arthropods to grow, reproduce, and survive in their environment.


Arthropods periodically shed and discard their exoskeletons as they grow in a process called?

Ecdysis, commonly known as molting. During molting, arthropods shed their old exoskeleton and form a new, larger one to accommodate their growth. This process is essential for arthropods to maintain their size and continue their development.


Why do arthropods molt and what purpose does this process serve in their life cycle?

Arthropods molt to grow and develop. Molting allows them to shed their exoskeleton and replace it with a larger one as they grow. This process is essential for arthropods to accommodate their increasing size and to continue their life cycle.


Why do arthropods undergo molting as part of their life cycle?

Arthropods undergo molting to grow because their exoskeleton does not grow with them. Molting allows them to shed their old exoskeleton and grow a new, larger one.


How are arthropods supported?

The body of arthropods is physically supported by an external skeleton (exoskeleton) made of a tough protein called chitin. Because it is inflexible, arthropods need to shed it entirely in order to grow in size.


What are the three steps of arthropods molting?

it grow a new exoskeleton


Why is molting necessary for arthropods?

Molting is necessary for arthropods because it allows them to grow and develop. As arthropods grow, their exoskeleton becomes too small and rigid, so they shed it through molting to make room for their larger bodies. This process also helps them repair any damage to their exoskeleton and remove any parasites or infections.


How are arthropods able to grow bigger within their exoskeleton?

Because of a process called Ecdysis (also known as moulting) arthropods are able to grow bigger. In ecdysis old exoskeleton is shed and new one (slightly bigger) covers the body.


How do arthropods grow?

Since arthropods have a rigid exoskeleton, in order to grow they need to moult their entire skin, then wait for the new exoskeleton to harden. Some of them eat the old exoskeleton in order to recapture the mineral content. Since many (like the crustaceans) are vulnerable during this stage, they need to hide for a while. The moulting process for some arthropods also integrates with the limb regeneration function.