What distinguishes complete metamorphosis from incomplete metamorphosis in insects?
A)presence of wings in the adult, but not in earlier life stages
B)presence of sex organs in the adult, but not in earlier life stages
C)radically different appearance between adults and earlier life stages
D)only A and B
E)A, B, and C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both complete and incomplete metamorphosis include the presence of wings and sex organs in the adult stage. The main distinguishing feature is the degree of change in appearance between earlier life stages and the adult stage. In complete metamorphosis, the larvae are completely different in appearance and lifestyle from the adult stage (e.g. caterpillars develop into butterflies), while in incomplete metamorphosis, the immature stages resemble miniature versions of the adult (e.g. grasshoppers). Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

What Distinguishes Complete Metamorphosis from Incomplete Metamorphosis in Insects