What
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Caterpillars go through 5 stages of growth. Each stage is called an "instar." As a caterpillar grows, it "molts" 5 times before it becomes a chrysalis. Each time it molts the caterpillar progresses to the next instar (1st instar, 2nd instar, 3rd instar, 4th instar and 5th instar). Its skeleton is on the outside of its body, like clothes. So, as it grows, it can no longer fits in its skin. |
Look!
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But as Dr. Lincoln Brower explains, the analogy of growing out of clothes doesn't fit exactly:
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Some definitions:
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