What is Metamorphosis?
Metamorphosis is a biological process involving a significant transformation in the form or structure of an organism, often as it develops from one life stage to another. This phenomenon is most commonly associated with insects, amphibians, and certain plants.
Types of Metamorphosis
- Complete Metamorphosis (Holometabolism):
- Involves four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
- Examples include butterflies, beetles, and bees.
- Incomplete Metamorphosis (Hemimetabolism):
- Consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
- Common in grasshoppers and cockroaches.
Stages of Complete Metamorphosis
- Egg: The initial stage where the organism is in a dormant form.
- Larva: A growth phase where the organism feeds and grows; it often looks different from the adult.
- Pupa: A transformative stage where the organism undergoes significant restructuring.
- Adult: The final stage where the organism emerges as a fully developed entity, capable of reproduction.
Significance of Metamorphosis
- Survival: Allows organisms to occupy different ecological niches at various life stages, minimizing competition for resources.
- Adaptation: Facilitates adaptation to changing environments and improves survival rates through specialization.
- Reproduction: Ensures the continuation of species through distinct developmental stages, enhancing genetic diversity.
Metamorphosis is a remarkable process that exemplifies the complexity of life cycles in nature, showcasing how organisms adapt and thrive in their environments.

The transformation of larvae into adult through drastic changes is called metamorphosis.