All arthropods begin life as eggs. After hatching, what must they do to grow larger?

The process of growth in arthropods after they hatch from eggs involves molting, which is a crucial part of their life cycle. Molting is the biological process by which an arthropod sheds its exoskeleton, allowing for growth. Since arthropods have a rigid exoskeleton made of chitin, they cannot grow in size until they molt and produce a larger exoskeleton that accommodates their growth.

During this process, the arthropod takes in water and expands its body, splitting the old exoskeleton and eventually emerging with a new, larger one underneath. This ability to molt enables them not only to grow but also to adapt to different developmental stages and environments.

The other options do not represent the correct process required for arthropods to grow larger. For instance, spinning a cocoon is specific to certain insects during their transformation stages, such as butterflies, and is not a universal method for all arthropods. Drinking lots of water, while beneficial for hydration, is not a direct mechanism for growth in most arthropods. Lastly, mating is a reproductive process and does not facilitate growth in size. Thus, molting is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the anatomical and biological changes needed for growth in arth