Complete Metamorphosis
- Pronunciation
- /kom-pleet met-uh-mor-fuh-sis/
- Category
- Development
- Singular
- Complete Metamorphosis
- Plural
- Complete Metamorphoses
Definition
A type of metamorphosis in which insects undergo a complete transformation from larva to adult, with distinct morphological stages.
Etymology
From Latin 'completus', meaning 'finished' or 'complete', and 'metamorphosis', meaning 'transformation'.
Example
Butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis, transforming from a caterpillar to a winged adult.
Synonyms
- Holometabolous development
- Complex metamorphosis
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Complete metamorphosis is characterized by a distinct larval stage, followed by a pupal stage where the insect undergoes a complete reorganization of its body before emerging as an adult.