ScienceAugust 21, 2026
molting
MOHL-ting
Definition
The biological process by which an animal periodically sheds its outer layer, such as an exoskeleton, to allow for physical growth.
Etymology
The word originates from the Middle English 'molten,' which likely comes from the Old English 'mūtlian' (to change) and is related to the Latin 'mutare,' meaning to change or exchange.
In the news
In the article, the lobster sheds its exoskeleton through molting to grow larger and increase its reproductive capacity. This process is central to its ability to avoid traditional aging, though scientists speculate it may eventually pose risks to the creature.
This Sea Creature’s Secret to Near-Immortality Shocks Scientists and Defies Logic
Read the full article ↗AOL.com