Bagworm moth caterpillars feed on evergreens and carry a silken case or bag around with them in which they eventually pupate. Adult female bagworm moths are larval in appearance; they lack the wings and other structures of the adult male and instead retain the appearance of a caterpillar even though they are sexually mature and can lay eggs within the bag. This is a good example of
A) allometric growth.
B) paedomorphosis.
C) sympatric speciation.
D) adaptive radiation.
E) changes in homeotic genes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The retention of juvenile characteristics in adult females is an example of paedomorphosis, a type of heterochrony in which the timing of development is altered relative to the ancestor.

Bagworm Moth Caterpillars Feed on Evergreens and Carry a Silken