Biology Terms and Concepts

Metamorphosis

• A gradual process of growth

• A complete change or transformation (in biology, a change such as a caterpillar becoming a pupa and then a butterfly)

• A type of metamorphic rock

• A stage in the life cycle of a mammal

Seed

• A structure that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.

• The plant structure that contains a young plant inside a protective covering.

• A type of soil used for planting.

• A part of the plant that transports water and nutrients.

Incomplete Metamorphosis

• Insect development consisting of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.

• Insect development consisting of two stages: larva and adult.

• Insect development consisting of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

• Insect development that occurs without any changes in form.

Pupa

• The first stage of complete metamorphosis, where an insect hatches from an egg.

• The second stage of complete metamorphosis, where an insect develops into a larva.

• The third stage of complete metamorphosis, in which an insect changes from a larva to an adult.

• The final stage of complete metamorphosis, where the adult insect lays eggs.

Life cycle

• The process of photosynthesis in plants.

• The entire sequence of stages in the life of an organism, from the adults of one generation to the adults of the next.

• The stages of cellular respiration in living organisms.

• The method of reproduction in asexual organisms.

Germinate

• To begin to grow (used of a seed).

• To wither and die.

• To remain dormant and inactive.

• To be planted in soil.

Sprouting

• Producing new leaves, shoots or buds; beginning to grow.

• A process of drying out and wilting.

• The act of flowering and producing fruit.

• A method of seed dispersal.

Larvae

• Immature insects that do not look like adult insects.

• Fully developed insects ready to reproduce.

• Insects in their pupal stage.

• Insects that have just hatched from eggs.

Seedling

• A small plant that is just starting to grow.

• A type of seed that has not yet germinated.

• A fully grown plant ready for harvest.

• A plant that has just produced flowers.

Nymph

• A stage of gradual metamorphosis that usually resembles the adult insect.

• A type of aquatic plant found in freshwater.

• An early stage of a butterfly before it becomes a caterpillar.

• A term used to describe a young fairy or spirit in mythology.