What term describes the periodic shedding of the outer layer, such as an insect's exoskeleton?

The term that describes the periodic shedding of the outer layer, particularly in the context of insects and their exoskeletons, is "molting." This biological process is essential for insects as it allows them to grow by replacing their old exoskeletons with new ones that are larger. Molting occurs at various stages in an insect's life cycle and is crucial for development, as it enables the insect to adapt to changes in its environment and to continue its growth.

Metamorphosis refers to the transformation process that certain insects undergo between life stages, such as from a larva to a pupa and then to an adult, which is a more complex change that involves molting but is not solely about the shedding of the exoskeleton. Emigration pertains to the movement of organisms from one area to another and is unrelated to the physiological process of shedding. Shedding, while it may seem similar, is a more general term and does not specifically apply to the established biological terminology used for insects. Thus, "molting" is the most precise and accurate term to describe this specific process.