A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Why does molting occur in arthropods but not in mollusks?

Best Answers

An arthropod's exoskeleton is like a suit of armour. It's waterproof, rigid, and tough. There's just one problem. As the animal within the exoskeleton is growing, the exoskeleton stays the same size. read more

Arthropods have an exoskeleton that they must replace with a larger in order to grow. If they do not molt they can't get larger( and will probably be crushed tondeath within theor own exoskeletons). However, while molting they are very vulnerable and their new skeletons take time to harden when they are done. read more

Best Answer: Arthropods need to molt because the exoskeleton completely encloses the body. In order to make room to grow, the arthropod must periodically make a new cuticle beneath the old one and then shed the old one. The new cuticle is soft and pliable, and the arthropod takes in air or water to give itself room to grow. read more

Growth occurs by molting, or ecdysis. In many arachnids the firstmolt occurs while the animal is still within the egg. read more

Encyclopedia Research

Wikipedia:

Related Types