Question

Define the term metamorphosis. Briefly describe the various stages occurring in the life-cycle of a butterfly.

Answer 1

Hint:-The new individuals that are born continue to grow till they become adults. Metamorphosis is the transformation of the larva into an adult through undergoing several changes. These kinds of changes take place in animals like a frog, butterfly, etc.

Complete step-by-step solution:-Metamorphosis: Metamorphosis is Greek words which mean transformation or transforming. Here “meta” means after and “morphe” means form. It is a biological process where an animal physically changes that happen in an animal’s body structure through its cell growth and differentiation. Animals which can undergo metamorphosis include insects, fish, amphibians, molluscs, tunicates, etc during this they can also show changes in the source of nutrition and behaviours.
 Life-cycle of Butterfly
Metamorphosis of butterflies includes four stages (egg, larva, pupa, and adult):
Egg: The female butterfly laid the eggs on the plants. Later these plants became the food of the caterpillars. The eggs laid by the female are huge in number so at least some of them would survive. Depending upon the species of butterfly, the seasons also vary from spring, fall or summer.
Caterpillar (The feeding stage): This is the larva stage, but in the case of the butterfly, it is a caterpillar. In this stage, the caterpillar keeps on eating and this eaten food is stored and used later in an adult. The caterpillar is growing and sheds its skin about 4 to 5 times.
Pupa (The Transition Stage): After the end of the feeding stage the caterpillar grows into the pupa. The pupa of the butterfly is also known as a chrysalis. The pupa may suspend under leaves or branches or buried underground. This stage lasts for a month or a week. In some species, it may last for two years. In this stage, the specialised cells are undergoing rapid growth and change into the wings, legs, and other parts.
Adult (The Reproductive Stage): The adult looks very different from the larva/caterpillar. The adult butterflies may live for one to two weeks. Some species of butterfly may hibernate during the winter and may survive for a longer period. The adult butterfly mates and lays eggs.

Note:- Metamorphosis in an insect can be of two types:
Incomplete metamorphosis: The nymph looks similar to that of an adult but without wings. Examples – dragonflies, grasshoppers, etc.
Complete metamorphosis: The larva (instead of the nymph) looks very different from the adults. Examples – butterflies, beetles, etc