Final answer:
In 'The Story of Silk,' the term 'shed' likely denotes the silkworm's process of shedding its cocoon, which is integral to the production of silk thread that is distributed along the Silk Road.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term shed in the context of the story The Story of Silk likely refers to the process of the silkworm shedding its cocoon. This shedding is similar to the creation and unwinding of the silk fiber from the cocoon, which is then transformed into a silk thread. The process involves the silkworm consuming mulberry leaves and then spinning a cocoon around itself. The cocoon is subsequently harvested and the silkworm inside is killed by hot water, leaving behind the valuable silk fiber. This fiber is then rewashed, spun into thread, dyed, and shipped along the Silk Road to various destinations across Asia and Europe.