What must an arthropod do in order to grow?

Arthropods, which include insects, spiders, and crustaceans, have an exoskeleton made of chitin that provides protection and structural support. However, this exoskeleton does not grow with the animal, which can limit their size as they mature. To grow, an arthropod must undergo a process called molting, where it sheds its old exoskeleton and subsequently secretes a new, larger one.

This process allows them to increase in size and is a critical part of their life cycle. After molting, the newly formed exoskeleton is initially soft and flexible, allowing the arthropod to expand before it hardens. This is a vital adaptation that not only enables growth but also prepares the organism for potential changes in its environment as it continues through its life stages. The other options do not accurately reflect the biological process that arthropods must undergo for growth.