Apometaboly

/ˌæpəmɛˈtæbəli/ noun

Definition

The process or condition of undergoing minimal or incomplete metamorphosis in insect development.

Etymology

From Greek 'apo-' (without) + 'metabole' (change) + '-y' suffix. An alternative noun form to apometabolism, describing the same developmental process.

Kelly Says

Some insects like silverfish are so 'primitive' evolutionarily that they barely change at all—they've stuck with apometaboly for millions of years because it works!

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