Summary
Dramatic transformation during development, complete in butterflies and gradual in grasshoppers.
In depth
Complete (holometabolous) metamorphosis includes larva, pupa and adult (butterflies, beetles, flies), reducing competition between stages. Incomplete (hemimetabolous) has nymphs resembling adults. Controlled by ecdysone and juvenile hormone.
Metamorphosis reduces competition between juveniles and adults. It is hormonally controlled. Some insects skip stages.
Key idea: complete metamorphosis has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult.
Metamorphosis allows larvae and adults to use different resources, reducing competition. Complete metamorphosis occurs in about 80 percent of insect species, making this strategy contribute to their success. In the pupa, most larval tissues break down, and adult structures develop from imaginal discs. Juvenile hormone keeps larval traits, and ecdysone triggers moults; falling juvenile hormone levels allow metamorphosis. Incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabolous) gives nymphs resembling adults, as in grasshoppers and dragonflies.
In amphibians, thyroid hormone triggers metamorphosis: tadpole tails reabsorb through apoptosis and lungs develop. Marine invertebrates often have planktonic larvae for dispersal. Insect growth regulators that mimic hormones are used as pesticides.
Remember: a caterpillar is a larva; the pupa (chrysalis) is the transitional stage and the butterfly is the adult.
Frequently asked questions
What is Metamorphosis?
Dramatic transformation during development, complete in butterflies and gradual in grasshoppers.
Which area of biology covers Metamorphosis, and how advanced is it?
Metamorphosis is one of the 53 topics in Zoology & Animal Diversity. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Amphibians, Arthropods, Chordate Characteristics.
Can you give an example of Metamorphosis?
Caterpillars rebuild their bodies in the pupa.
What should I learn before Metamorphosis?
Work through the Beginner topics in Zoology & Animal Diversity first, such as Animal Kingdom, Vertebrates and Invertebrates, Sponges, then return to Metamorphosis. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Metamorphosis?
The closest topics to Metamorphosis are Amphibians, Arthropods, Chordate Characteristics, Insects. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Metamorphosis?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Metamorphosis. To practise the whole of Zoology & Animal Diversity, use the Zoology & Animal Diversity quiz.
How is Metamorphosis different from Amphibians?
Metamorphosis: Dramatic transformation during development, complete in butterflies and gradual in grasshoppers. Amphibians: Vertebrates such as frogs that typically begin life in water and live on land as adults. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Metamorphosis step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Amphibians and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Zoology & Animal Diversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.