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NAL Agricultural Thesaurus
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Concept Breadcrumbs

Fields of Study > zoology > animal physiology > molting > ecdysis
Animals, Livestock, One Health > zoology > animal physiology > molting > ecdysis
Fields of Study > physiology > animal physiology > molting > ecdysis
Preferred Term:

ecdysis

Definition:
The periodic shedding of the older cuticle layer or exoskeleton at the end of each molt as seen in insects (arthropods), or the splitting and casting off older skin as seen in some reptiles and amphibians. During this process, muscles contract to enlarge the body, until the exoskeleton breaks and the organism emerges out into the environment. This phenomenon is a prerequisite for normal growth and development, and metamorphosis of various insects, reptiles, amphibians, etc.
Concept Schemes:
NALT Full
Broader Concept:
molting
Related Concepts:
Entry Terms:
  • exsheathment
URI:
https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/35590
Download this Concept:
RDF/XMLCreated 2006-01-19, last modified 2016-09-21
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