Ametaboly

/ˌeɪməˈtæbəli/ noun

Definition

The state or process of developing without metamorphosis or significant physical transformation.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (not) + 'metabolē' (change) + '-y' (noun suffix). This rare variant form appears in older entomological literature as an alternative to ametabolism.

Kelly Says

Ametaboly is the unsung quiet life of insects—while fireflies and beetles put on a developmental show with complete transformation, ametabolous creatures just keep it simple and steady.

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