What process allows insects to grow by shedding their exoskeleton?

The process that enables insects to grow by shedding their exoskeleton is known as instars. Insects have a hard outer casing called an exoskeleton that does not expand as they grow. Instead, they undergo a process called molting, where they shed their old exoskeleton and form a new, larger one underneath. This process typically occurs multiple times during their life cycle, and each stage between molts is referred to as an instar.

Each instar stage represents a specific developmental phase where the insect increases in size and develops further before it molts again. This process is crucial for providing the necessary growth space as insects transition through various stages of development, leading up to adulthood. Other processes like metamorphosis are related but involve more complex changes transforming the insect from one form to another, such as from larva to adult, rather than just shedding the exoskeleton for growth.