Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis

(a change in an animal’s form staring at birth or hatching.)

Objective Recognize the difference between complete and incomplete metamorphosis

Metamorphosis • A series of changes some animals go through as they develop, in which the young start out looking nothing like the adults. • Can you name an animal that goes through metamorphosis? • Metamorphosis is broken down into two categories: • Complete and Incomplete Metamorphosis. • Complete Metamorphosis has four parts: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Incomplete Metamorphosis only has three parts: egg, nymph, and adult.

Complete Metamorphosis • During complete metamorphosis an egg hatches into a wormlike larva. It eats a lot and grows to become a pupa. This is the resting phase. Some larvae spin protective cocoons. Many body changes take place. Finally, the adult winged insect emerges. Below are a few insects that go through complete metamorphosis.

Incomplete Metamorphosis • During Incomplete Metamorphosis the insect changes shape gradually. An egg hatches into a nymph that looks like a small adult without wings. The nymph grows and slowly changes. Finally, it grows wings and can lay eggs. This is when it is considered an adult. Below are a few creatures that go through Incomplete Metamorphosis.

Complete Metamorphosis • The chart below is an example of Complete Metamorphosis. Notice how it drastically changes during its four stages. Each body change or stage never resembles the adult.

Incomplete Metamorphosis • Notice the insect resembles the adult from the start.

Can you see the difference?

Review • Can you name the two types of Metamorphosis? • How many stages does each type have? Name them. • How are the two types of Metamorphosis different? • Compare a nymph to a larva.