What term describes the change of form in insects?

The term that describes the change of form in insects is metamorphosis. This biological process encompasses the transformation that insects undergo as they progress from one life stage to another, typically characterized by significant changes in structure and function. For example, many insects, such as butterflies, experience a well-known metamorphosis that includes stages such as the egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult.

Metamorphosis allows insects to adapt to different environments and ecological niches throughout their life cycle, facilitating their survival and reproduction. Understanding this process is crucial in pest control practices, as different life stages may require different management strategies.

The other terms listed do not specifically refer to the changes in form that insects experience. Transformation can be a general term for change but lacks the specific context of biological stages. Evolution refers to the gradual process of change in species over time, while adaptation pertains to how organisms adjust to their environment. Each of these concepts plays a role in the broader understanding of biology and ecology but does not accurately define the specific developmental process in insects like metamorphosis does.