HOLOMETABOLOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Holometabolous is an adjective used in biology to describe a specific type of metamorphosis exhibited by certain insects. It refers to a complete and radical transformation that occurs during the life cycle of these insects, involving distinct stages with highly differentiated physical forms and lifestyles. This type of metamorphosis is characterized by four distinct stages: the egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
The first stage, the egg, represents the starting point of the life cycle and the offspring's development. Following hatching, the larva stage commences. During this stage, the holometabolous insect, often known as caterpillar or maggot, aims to maximize its growth and consume sufficient nutrients to prepare for the next phase. The larva undergoes multiple molts, shedding its exoskeleton to accommodate its increasing body size.
Upon reaching a certain level of growth, the larva enters the pupa stage, which is also referred to as the resting or transformation stage. In this stage, the internal structure of the insect undergoes significant reorganization. The insect forms a protective structure, such as a cocoon or chrysalis, and remains inside while undergoing metamorphosis.
Finally, after the completion of the pupal stage, the adult insect, often resembling the final form and able to reproduce, emerges. This adult stage represents the final and most recognizable form of the insect.
The holometabolous life cycle enables insects to occupy different ecological niches and adapt to varying environmental conditions at each stage of their development. It is a distinctive characteristic of many insects, including butterflies, beetles, flies, and bees, and contributes to the remarkable diversity and success of these species in nature.
Common Misspellings for HOLOMETABOLOUS
- golometabolous
- bolometabolous
- nolometabolous
- jolometabolous
- uolometabolous
- yolometabolous
- hilometabolous
- hklometabolous
- hllometabolous
- hplometabolous
- h0lometabolous
- h9lometabolous
- hokometabolous
- hopometabolous
- hooometabolous
- holimetabolous
- holkmetabolous
- hollmetabolous
- holpmetabolous
Etymology of HOLOMETABOLOUS
The word "holometabolous" is derived from two components: "holo-" and "metabolous".
1. "Holo-" is a Greek prefix meaning "whole" or "complete".
2. "Metabolous" comes from the Greek word "metabole", meaning "change" or "transformation". The suffix "-metabolous" indicates a type of metamorphosis or developmental change.
Therefore, "holometabolous" combines "holo" and "metabolous" to describe a complete or whole type of metamorphosis, referring to the development of insects that undergo a distinct change in form during their life cycle, such as butterflies and beetles.
Similar spelling words for HOLOMETABOLOUS
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