Metamorphosis is a remarkable biological process that amphibians undergo, transforming them from aquatic, gill-breathing larvae into terrestrial, lung-breathing adults. This change involves dramatic alterations in body structure, function, and habitat.
- Larvae (e.g., tadpoles) start life in water, breathing with gills and often herbivorous.
- Adults develop lungs, legs, and new sensory organs, enabling a terrestrial lifestyle.
- Metamorphosis involves resorption of larval structures (e.g., tail) and growth of adult features.
They transform from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults.
They develop lungs, form legs, and resorb the tail.
They breathe with gills.
It reduces competition and allows exploitation of new habitats.
Thyroid hormone.
Adults develop lungs, limbs, and mature reproductive organs.
Conclusion
Metamorphosis is a critical process that allows amphibians to exploit different ecological niches during their life cycle, contributing to their evolutionary success.
- Metamorphosis transforms amphibians from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults.
- Major changes include lung development, limb growth, and tail resorption.
- Thyroid hormones regulate this complex developmental process.