Ametabolia

/ˌæmɪtəˈboʊliə/ noun

Definition

The condition or property of undergoing no metamorphosis, especially in insects.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) plus 'metabole' (change) plus Latin-style '-ia' (condition), creating a scientific noun for the lack of insect transformation.

Kelly Says

Ametabolia is the biological opposite of all those dramatic transformations—it means you're basically the same creature your whole life, which applies to silverfish, springtails, and a few other insects that skipped evolution's memo about radical makeovers.

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