What is the term used to describe the growth process of an insect?

Metamorphosis is the term that specifically refers to the growth process of an insect, which involves a series of distinct life stages. This process can include transformations such as egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult (butterfly or moth). Each stage has unique characteristics and adaptations that allow the insect to grow and thrive in its environment.

Metamorphosis is crucial for many insects as it facilitates not only their growth but also their transition into forms that may have different habitats or diets. For example, a caterpillar’s primary role is to eat and grow, while the adult butterfly's role is often to reproduce.

The other terms do not apply to insect growth processes. Photosynthesis pertains to how plants convert light into energy, not related to insect development. Hibernation refers to a state of inactivity and metabolic slowdown typically seen in some animals during winter months, which does not describe insect growth. Adaptation refers to the evolutionary process in which organisms become better suited to their environment, but it does not specifically address the stages of growth in insects.