heterometaboly
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of insect development: Heterometaboly refers to a specific pattern of insect growth and development. It is characterized by incomplete metamorphosis, where the immature stage (nymph) resembles a smaller, wingless version of the adult. Crucially, this process lacks a pupal stage; the nymph matures directly into the adult form.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Grasshoppers exhibit heterometaboly, developing from nymphs to adults without a pupal stage.
- The study of heterometaboly helps entomologists classify insects based on their life cycles.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in entomology (the study of insects) and developmental biology to describe and classify life cycles.
- The order Hemiptera, which includes true bugs, is known for its heterometaboly.
Variants and Related Words
- Hemimetaboly (n): A synonym for heterometaboly; development with incomplete metamorphosis.
- Holometaboly (n): The contrasting type of development involving complete metamorphosis with distinct larval, pupal, and adult stages (e.g., butterflies).
- Metamorphosis (n): The general process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.
- Nymph (n): The immature form of an insect undergoing heterometaboly.
Synonyms
- Incomplete metamorphosis
- Hemimetabolism
- Direct development (in this specific entomological context)
Antonyms
- Holometaboly (complete metamorphosis)
- Complete metamorphosis
Related Terms and Concepts
- Ametaboly (n): Development with little or no metamorphosis; the young hatch looking like small adults (e.g., silverfish).
- Paurometaboly (n): A subtype of incomplete metamorphosis where the nymph and adult live in the same habitat (a type of heterometaboly).
Noun
- development of insects with incomplete metamorphosis in which no pupal stage precedes maturity