noun
- plural of ecdysis; the process of shedding or casting off an outer layer, especially the periodic shedding of the exoskeleton in arthropods such as insects and crustaceans
Usage: biology term; technical
Examples
- The lobster undergoes several ecdyses as it grows larger.
- During ecdyses, insects are vulnerable to predators because their new exoskeleton is still soft.
- Scientists study ecdyses to understand arthropod development and growth cycles.
- The frequency of ecdyses varies depending on the species and environmental conditions.
- Crabs must complete their ecdyses successfully to survive to adulthood.