The process of cleaning sheared skin is called ____________ .

(a) Rearing

(b) Scouring

(c) Shearing

(d) All of the above

The correct answer is (b) Scouring.

Explanation

Scouring is the specific term for the process of washing the sheared wool (fleece) in hot water and detergent to remove grease (lanolin), dirt, dust, and sweat. This is a crucial step in preparing the wool for spinning into yarn. 

The other options refer to different stages of wool production:

• (a) Rearing: This is the process of raising and caring for the sheep.
• (c) Shearing: This is the process of cutting the fleece off the sheep.
• (d) All of the above: Since (a) and (c) are incorrect, this is also incorrect.