What is the process in which insects shed their skin?

The correct answer is A, and it refers to the process of moulting, which is fundamental to the growth and development of insects. Moulting, also known as ecdysis, involves the shedding of the exoskeleton, allowing the insect to grow larger or to change its form. This is a critical part of an insect's life cycle, as their hard exoskeleton does not stretch.

During moulting, insects typically undergo a series of physiological changes; they may first secrete a new exoskeleton beneath the old one. Once this new exoskeleton is ready, the insect will split the old exoskeleton and emerge, often leaving behind the cast-off skin. This process can occur multiple times during an insect's life, especially in those that exhibit incomplete metamorphosis.

The other options do not encapsulate the concept accurately: metamorphosis refers to the transformation processes that occur in certain insects, which can include moulting but is more expansive and relates specifically to developmental stages, such as the change from larva to adult. Reproduction describes the biological process of producing offspring, while hibernation is a survival tactic used by some animals to endure periods of unfavorable conditions, typically involving a significant drop in metabolic rate and