Answer :
Final answer:
During their life cycle, hermit crabs change shells multiple times to accommodate their incremental growth.
Explanation:
This behavior is necessitated by the physical characteristics of their exoskeleton. The exoskeleton is a rigid outer layer that does not grow with the organism. Therefore, when a crustacean like a hermit crab grows in size, this rigid exoskeleton becomes too small, which triggers a process called molting.
Molting is a complex process in which the crab sheds its old, confining exoskeleton, and forms a new, larger one. However, until the new exoskeleton hardens, the crab is vulnerable to predation. To protect themselves during this vulnerable period, hermit crabs seek out a new, larger shell to inhabit.
Learn more about Hermit Crab here:
https://brainly.com/question/37940187
#SPJ11