How does the trait of shedding skin help reptiles?

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1 answer

Shedding skin, also known as molting, helps reptiles in several ways:

1. Growth: Reptiles continually grow throughout their lives, and shedding skin allows them to shed their old, smaller skin as they grow and develop larger bodies.

2. Removal of parasites: Shedding skin helps reptiles get rid of parasites, such as ticks and mites, that may have attached themselves to their skin.

3. Brightening colors: Shedding skin can help reptiles maintain vibrant and bright colors, as old and dull skin is shed to reveal fresh, colorful skin underneath.

4. Removing old skin cells: Shedding skin allows reptiles to remove old, dead skin cells and keep their skin healthy and functioning properly.

Overall, shedding skin is an important process for reptiles to maintain their health, growth, and appearance.