What is metamorphosis?

What is metamorphosis?

• A. Insects change in shape, form, and size during their lives
• B. Insects change color only
• C. Insects grow without changing form
• D. Insects do not change as they mature

Answer: (A)

Metamorphosis means an insect’s body undergoes substantial changes in form as it grows, so the immature stages look very different from the adult. This involves changes in shape and structure (and often size) as it passes through distinct life stages, such as larva to pupa to adult in complete metamorphosis, or egg to nymph to adult in incomplete metamorphosis. Colors may change, but the key idea is a real reorganization of the body plan, not just a simple color shift or growth without changing form.

Metamorphosis means an insect’s body undergoes substantial changes in form as it grows, so the immature stages look very different from the adult. This involves changes in shape and structure (and often size) as it passes through distinct life stages, such as larva to pupa to adult in complete metamorphosis, or egg to nymph to adult in incomplete metamorphosis. Colors may change, but the key idea is a real reorganization of the body plan, not just a simple color shift or growth without changing form.