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

ObjectiveRecognize 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.