Silk is originated from?
VerifiedAnswer: Cocoon(Silk Worm)
Explanation:
Silk, one of nature's most luxurious and strongest natural fibers, originates from the cocoon of silkworms. The most common source of silk is the domesticated silkworm species called Bombyx mori, which has been cultivated for thousands of years specifically for silk production.
The process begins when silkworms enter their pupal stage. During this transformation, the silkworm larva secretes a protein-rich liquid from special glands in its head. This liquid hardens when it comes into contact with air, forming continuous silk fibers. The silkworm carefully winds these fibers around itself, creating a protective casing known as a cocoon.
Each cocoon is made from a single, unbroken silk fiber that can measure anywhere from 300 to 900 meters in length. This remarkable continuous fiber is what makes silk so special and valuable. The cocoon serves as the silkworm's temporary home while it undergoes metamorphosis from larva to moth.
To harvest silk, cocoons are collected before the moth emerges, as the emergence process would break the continuous fiber into shorter pieces. The cocoons are then subjected to hot water or steam treatment, which softens the sericin (a gummy substance that holds the silk fibers together) and allows for the careful unwinding of the silk thread.
The art of silk production, known as sericulture, originated in ancient China around 2700 BCE and remained a closely guarded secret for centuries. Besides Bombyx mori, other silkworm species like Antheraea mylitta (which produces tussar silk) and Antheraea assamensis (which produces muga silk) also contribute to silk production from their respective cocoons.
The silk fiber obtained from silkworm cocoons possesses unique properties including natural luster, strength, elasticity, and temperature regulation capabilities. These characteristics make silk highly prized for textile production, and the cocoon remains the primary and most important source of this valuable natural fiber used in clothing, home furnishings, and various industrial applications worldwide.
