What term describes the process insects undergo to grow and change into their adult form?

The term that describes the process insects undergo to grow and change into their adult form is metamorphosis. This biological process involves distinct stages, typically including egg, larva (or nymph), pupa, and adult forms, with each stage characterized by unique physical features and behaviors. Metamorphosis allows insects to adapt to various environments and ecological niches, facilitating survival and reproduction.

Insects that undergo complete metamorphosis, like butterflies and beetles, exhibit significant changes in their body structure as they transition from one stage to the next. These changes can include alterations in size, shape, and functionality, enabling the organism to thrive in different life stages. Metamorphosis plays a crucial role in the development and lifecycle completion of many insect species.

The other terms do not accurately represent this specific biological concept. Growth stratification refers more generally to developmental processes rather than the specific metamorphic stages of insects. Gradual transformation does not capture the distinct stages involved in metamorphosis, which includes more sudden changes than gradual development. Evolutionary change describes long-term genetic changes across populations over generations rather than the individual developmental process of insects. Thus, metamorphosis is the most precise and relevant term to describe this transformative lifecycle of insects.