Shedding
* What is shed: Refers to the loss of hair, fur, or feathers.
* Why it happens: Animals shed for various reasons:
* Seasonal changes: To adapt to warmer or colder temperatures.
* Growth: As animals grow, they need to get rid of old, worn-out hair or feathers.
* Health: Shedding can be a sign of health problems, such as parasites or hormonal imbalances.
* Examples: Dogs, cats, horses, birds.
Molting
* What is molted: Refers to the shedding of skin, scales, or exoskeletons.
* Why it happens: Molting is typically associated with growth and development. Animals with exoskeletons (like insects, crustaceans, and some reptiles) need to shed their outer layer to grow larger.
* Examples: Snakes, lizards, insects, lobsters, crabs.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Shedding | Molting |
|---|---|---|
| Structure lost | Hair, fur, feathers | Skin, scales, exoskeletons |
| Primary reason | Seasonal changes, growth, health | Growth and development |
| Animals | Mammals, birds | Insects, crustaceans, reptiles |
In summary: Shedding involves the loss of hair, fur, or feathers, while molting involves the loss of skin, scales, or exoskeletons. Both processes are natural and important for the animal's health and development.