RETROGRADE METAMORPHOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Retrograde metamorphosis refers to a biological process in which an organism undergoes a reverse or backward transformation during its development or maturation. This phenomenon is primarily observed in certain species, particularly insects such as butterflies and moths.
Typically, metamorphosis involves a progressive transformation from an immature form, known as a larva or caterpillar, to an adult form, known as an imago or butterfly. However, in retrograde metamorphosis, the opposite occurs. Here, the adult organism regresses or reverts back to an earlier stage of development, often resembling its larval form.
During retrograde metamorphosis, various features of the adult form may revert, including the reemergence of larval body structures or the revival of behaviors associated with earlier stages of development. This process sometimes occurs as a response to unfavorable environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, limited resources, or high predation risk.
Retrograde metamorphosis is a striking example of phenotypic plasticity, which refers to an organism's ability to change its physical traits in response to environmental cues. It provides the affected organisms with a survival advantage by allowing them to adopt a more suitable form for their current environmental conditions.
While the specific mechanisms behind retrograde metamorphosis are not yet fully understood, it is believed to involve genetic and hormonal factors that control the developmental pathways and trigger the reversal process.
In conclusion, retrograde metamorphosis describes the phenomenon where an adult organism undergoes a reverse transformation to an earlier developmental stage, enabling it to adapt to challenging or unfavorable environmental conditions.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RETROGRADE METAMORPHOSIS
- eetrograde metamorphosis
- detrograde metamorphosis
- fetrograde metamorphosis
- tetrograde metamorphosis
- 5etrograde metamorphosis
- 4etrograde metamorphosis
- rwtrograde metamorphosis
- rstrograde metamorphosis
- rdtrograde metamorphosis
- rrtrograde metamorphosis
- r4trograde metamorphosis
- r3trograde metamorphosis
- rerrograde metamorphosis
- refrograde metamorphosis
- regrograde metamorphosis
- reyrograde metamorphosis
- re6rograde metamorphosis
- re5rograde metamorphosis
- reteograde metamorphosis
- retdograde metamorphosis
Etymology of RETROGRADE METAMORPHOSIS
The word "retrograde" originates from the Latin word "retrogradus", derived from the combination of "retro" meaning "backward" and "gradus" meaning "step or degree". "Metamorphosis", on the other hand, comes from the Greek word "metamorphōsis", which translates to "transformation" or "change in form". Thus, when combined, "retrograde metamorphosis" refers to a process where there is a backward or reverse transformation or change in form.
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