HOLOMETABOLA Meaning and
Definition
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Holometabola is a biological term used in entomology to describe a specific mode of insect development characterized by complete metamorphosis. It refers to a group of insects that undergo a distinct and sequential series of life stages, including the egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This mode of development is in contrast to hemimetabolous insects, which undergo incomplete or gradual metamorphosis.
In holometabolous insects, the egg hatches into a larva, which is typically worm-like and undergoes dramatic changes in form and structure as it grows. The larva feeds voraciously and goes through several developmental stages or instars, shedding its exoskeleton each time it molts. After reaching a certain size, the larva enters the pupal stage, during which it undergoes a profound transformation inside a protective case or cocoon. This transformation involves the reorganization of body tissues and the formation of adult structures. Finally, the adult insect emerges from the pupa, often with wings and reproductive organs fully formed.
Examples of holometabolous insects include butterflies, moths, beetles, bees, flies, and wasps. This mode of development allows for the specialization and adaptation of various life stages to different ecological niches and habitats. It also provides a mechanism for minimizing competition between immature and adult forms of the insect, as they occupy different ecological roles and utilize distinct resources. Overall, holometabola is a key characteristic of a diverse group of insects that play significant roles in ecosystems worldwide.
Common Misspellings for HOLOMETABOLA
- golometabola
- bolometabola
- nolometabola
- jolometabola
- uolometabola
- yolometabola
- hilometabola
- hklometabola
- hllometabola
- hplometabola
- h0lometabola
- h9lometabola
- hokometabola
- hopometabola
- hooometabola
- holimetabola
- holkmetabola
- hollmetabola
- holpmetabola
Etymology of HOLOMETABOLA
The term "Holometabola" is derived from the Greek words "holos" meaning "complete" or "whole", and "metabolē" meaning "change" or "transformation". In zoology, it refers to a taxonomic group of insects that undergo complete metamorphosis, including a distinct larval stage, pupal stage, and adult stage.
Similar spelling words for HOLOMETABOLA
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