You think that silk is non-living but was once part of a living thing.

You are correct!

Silk is made when the silk moth larva (caterpillar) spins its cocoon. This happens when the larva is ready to transform (metamorphosise) into an adult moth. These larvae are grown in silk farms. The cocoons are treated with steam which kills the larvae but does not harm the silk. The silk thread is then spun, dyed and woven into fabric.

Now try question 2

© Shirley Burchill 2009