Molting
Molting
Molting (pronounced: /ˈmoʊltɪŋ/), also known as ecdysis (pronounced: /ˈɛkdɪsɪs/), is a biological process that involves the shedding or casting off of old, worn-out skin, feathers, hair, or shells to make way for new growth. The term is derived from the Latin word 'mollis', meaning 'soft', and the Greek word 'ekdysis', meaning 'getting out'.
Process
During Molting, an organism will typically stop eating and become less active. The old layer of skin, feathers, or shell loosens and a new layer begins to form underneath. Once the new layer is fully formed, the old layer is shed. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the species and the individual organism's health and age.
In Different Species
Molting occurs in a wide range of species, including Insects, Arachnids, Crustaceans, Birds, and Reptiles. Each group has its own unique molting process.
Insects
In Insects, molting is a crucial part of the life cycle. It allows the insect to grow larger and often undergoes dramatic changes in body form, a process known as Metamorphosis.
Arachnids
Arachnids, such as spiders and scorpions, also molt as they grow. Unlike insects, however, arachnids continue to molt throughout their lives.
Crustaceans
Crustaceans, including crabs and lobsters, molt their hard exoskeletons to grow. The process is risky, as the crustacean is vulnerable to predators until its new shell hardens.
Birds
Birds molt their feathers periodically to replace old, worn-out feathers with new ones. The timing and pattern of molting can vary widely among different bird species.
Reptiles
Reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, shed their skin in a process known as ecdysis. This is often done in one piece, unlike the patchy shedding seen in many other animals.
See Also
References
External Links
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Molting
- Wikipedia's article - Molting
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