ametabolic

9.9

An animal that does not change form much as it grows

adjective
/ˌæməˈtæbəlɪk/

Specialized

: ametabólico

Unlike holometabolous insects, ametabolic species show little difference between juveniles and adults.

Examples

Some insects are described as ametabolic because they do not change form significantly after hatching.
Springtails are considered ametabolic, exhibiting no notable metamorphic stages.
The ametabolic organisms in the study showed minimal changes.
Many ametabolic species thrive in stable environments.
Some insects are described as ametabolic because they do not undergo significant changes in form after hatching.
Springtails are considered ametabolic, as they display very little change throughout their life cycle.
Unlike holometabolous insects, ametabolic species maintain a consistent appearance from juvenile to adult stages.

Synonyms

ametabolous

vsametabolic

Specialized

9.9

Insects that change very little as they grow from young to adult

applies to any organism, not only insects, with very slight development change

Antonyms

metabolic

Specialized

1 6.8

Relating to a large change in body shape during an animal's life, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly

How Much Metamorphosis

holometabolous

Specialized

9.9

hemimetabolous

Specialized

9.9

ametabolic

Specialized

9.9

Surface Forms

ametabolic positive

Morphology

ametabolic = metabolic (opaque) = a + metabol + ic

Although structurally a- + metabolic is regular, the specialized meaning 'not undergoing metamorphosis' does not follow the expected sense 'not metabolic' and will likely mislead learners.

Etymology

Ametabolic comes from the prefix a- meaning 'not' and metabolic, from a root that means 'change', as in metamorphosis and metabolism. So ametabolic describes animals that do not change much in form as they grow.