Question

select the correct answer.
the caterpillar, which is the larval stage of a butterfly, is very different from its adult form. which phenomenon is responsible for this difference?

a. metamorphosis

b. regeneration

c. alternation of generation

d. molting

Explanation:

• Metamorphosis is the biological process where an animal physically develops after birth/hatching, involving a distinct change in body structure like the transition from caterpillar to butterfly.
• Regeneration is the regrowth of lost body parts, not relevant here.
• Alternation of generations refers to a life cycle with distinct haploid and diploid stages, common in plants and some algae, not butterflies.
• Molting is the shedding of an outer layer (like exoskeleton) for growth, but does not describe the full body transformation to adult form.

Answer:

A. metamorphosis