Analysis of Complete and Incomplete Metamorphosis Biological Process

This essay provides a detailed overview of metamorphosis, a biological process where a living organism transforms from one stage to another. It categorizes metamorphosis into two main types: complete and incomplete. Complete metamorphosis involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, exemplified by butterflies. Incomplete metamorphosis, seen in insects like grasshoppers, includes only three stages: egg, nymph, and adult, with the nymph stage involving molting and growth into a smaller version of the adult. The essay references works by Beck (2016) and Rolff, Johnston, and Reynolds (2019) to support its explanations of these biological processes.

Difference Between Incomplete and
Complete Metamorphosis

Contents
Main Body...................................................................................................................................................3
References...................................................................................................................................................5

Main Body
Metamorphosis is referred to a biological process in which a form of living being goes from one
stage to another (Beck, 2016). For e.g. the process of caterpillar developing into pupa and then
an adult butterfly can be referred to as metamorphosis. A process of metamorphosis can be
categorised onto two sections.
1. Complete Metamorphosis
2. Incomplete Metamorphosis
Complete Metamorphosis: In this category an insect or animal undergoes complete
transformation process involving four stages i.e. egg, larva, pupa and adult. A good example of
Complete Metamorphosis can be seen in butterfly. The hatching of egg results in development of
Larva. This stages results in growth and eating of the larva. The semi developed stage is known
as Pupa which involves major transformation in the body of the insect and can last up from few
days to months. When an insect enters achieves development of all the section it results into
adult stage and marks the completion of the process.
Incomplete Metamorphosis: However, there are some insects which does not complete the full
circle of this biological process. For instance, grasshoppers carry only three stages of biological
development in their life (Rolff, Johnston and Reynolds, 2019). The first stage is known revolves
around hatching of egg and the animal which has been developed at the end of this stage is
known as Nymph. This stage involves growth of an animal as it starts to eat and perceived as
small versions of their adults. The molting process with the animal may last up to 4 to 8 times
and results in development of strong winds and structure which is also the last stage.

References
Beck, U., 2016. The metamorphosis of the world: How climate change is transforming our
concept of the world. John Wiley & Sons.
Rolff, J., Johnston, P.R. and Reynolds, S., 2019. Complete metamorphosis of insects.