Paedogenesis

Pronunciation
/paed-o-JEN-esis/
Category
Development
Singular
Paedogenesis
Plural
Paedogenesis

Definition

The development of an animal in a larval form, where the larva becomes sexually mature without undergoing metamorphosis.

Etymology

From Greek 'pais', meaning 'child', and 'genesis', meaning 'origin'.

Example

Some species of insects, like certain midges, exhibit paedogenesis, where the larval stage can reproduce without maturing into the adult form.

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