What type of metamorphosis is exemplified by the life cycle of a butterfly?

The life cycle of a butterfly is an excellent example of complete metamorphosis, which involves distinct and significant changes in form and structure through several developmental stages. In complete metamorphosis, the life cycle consists of four main stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult (butterfly). Each stage looks vastly different from the others and serves different functions in the organism's development and life cycle.

The egg hatches into a caterpillar, which primarily focuses on feeding and growing. Once it reaches a certain size, the caterpillar enters the pupal stage, transforming within the chrysalis. This stage is characterized by remarkable internal and external changes, eventually resulting in the emergence of the adult butterfly, which is capable of reproduction.

This process allows for specialized roles at different life stages, maximizing the chances of survival. The complexity of these changes, as well as the clear delineation between each stage, distinguishes complete metamorphosis from other types, such as simple or gradual metamorphosis, where changes are less dramatic and often involve just a few stages without the pupal phase.