HYPERMETAMORPHOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Hypermetamorphosis is a biological phenomenon primarily observed in certain insect species, characterized by an extraordinarily complex and extensive metamorphic process. It refers to a type of metamorphosis that involves multiple distinct stages or phases, each of which undergoes significant changes in form, morphology, and behavior. Unlike the typical insect metamorphosis, hypermetamorphosis exhibits extreme transformations and often includes multiple larval or nymphal stages with different characteristics and ecological functions.
In hypermetamorphic insects, the initial larval stage, also known as the primary instar, is relatively similar to that of non-hypermetamorphic insects. However, subsequent instars exhibit dramatic alterations in body structure, appendages, and feeding habits. These stages commonly display highly specialized adaptations and strategies tailored to different ecological niches during their development. This intricate sequence of transformations allows hypermetamorphic insects to exploit diverse resources, occupy varied habitats, or parasitize different hosts throughout their life cycle.
The complex life cycle of hypermetamorphosis provides significant advantages for the insects, allowing them to exploit a wider range of resources and increase their chances of survival and reproduction. However, due to the complexity and diversity of hypermetamorphosis, it is relatively rare among insect taxa, with notable examples found in certain groups such as beetles, flies, and wasps. The study of hypermetamorphosis contributes to our understanding of the intricate process of insect development and the ecological strategies adopted by organisms to thrive in complex environments.
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Excessive change; specifically rapid change of ideas occurring in mental disorder.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPERMETAMORPHOSIS
- gypermetamorphosis
- bypermetamorphosis
- nypermetamorphosis
- jypermetamorphosis
- uypermetamorphosis
- yypermetamorphosis
- htpermetamorphosis
- hgpermetamorphosis
- hhpermetamorphosis
- hupermetamorphosis
- h7permetamorphosis
- h6permetamorphosis
- hyoermetamorphosis
- hylermetamorphosis
- hy-ermetamorphosis
- hy0ermetamorphosis
- hypwrmetamorphosis
- hypsrmetamorphosis
- hypdrmetamorphosis
Etymology of HYPERMETAMORPHOSIS
The word "hypermetamorphosis" is derived from two Greek roots: "hyper" meaning "beyond" or "excessive", and "metamorphosis" meaning "transformation" or "change of form".
The Greek word "hyper" (ὑπέρ) indicates something that goes beyond or exceeds a certain limit. In this case, it signifies an intensified or exaggerated form of metamorphosis.
The term "metamorphosis" (μεταμόρφωσις) in Greek refers to a transformation or change in form, often associated with the stages of development in insects or other organisms. It is derived from the roots "meta" meaning "change" and "morphē" meaning "form" or "shape".
