Holometabolous development
- Pronunciation
- /hoh-loh-meh-tab-uh-lus/
- Category
- Development
- Plural
- Holometabolous developments
Definition
A type of development characterized by complete metamorphosis, involving distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.
Etymology
From Greek 'holo-', meaning 'whole', and 'metabole', meaning 'change'.
Example
Butterflies undergo holometabolous development, transforming from egg to larva, pupa, and finally adult.
Related Terms
- Metamorphosis
- Complete metamorphosis
- Life cycle
- Insect development
Usage Notes
Holometabolous development is more complex than hemimetabolous development and is considered a more advanced evolutionary strategy.