Larval
Larval
Larval (/ˈlɑːrvəl/), derived from the Latin word larva meaning "mask" or "ghost", is a term used in the field of Biology to describe the immature, distinct form that some animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults. Animals with indirect development such as insects, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase of their life cycle.
Definition
The term "larval" is primarily used to describe the stage in an animal's lifecycle when it is a larva. During this stage, the organism will undergo metamorphosis, in which it changes form and often size, to become an adult. This is a critical period in the organism's life cycle, as it is often when it is most vulnerable to predators and environmental changes.
Related Terms
- Metamorphosis: The process by which an organism changes form from its larval stage to its adult stage.
- Pupa: The life stage of some insects undergoing transformation between immature and mature stages.
- Nymph: The immature form of some invertebrates, particularly insects, which undergoes gradual metamorphosis before reaching its adult stage.
- Instar: A developmental stage of arthropods, such as insects, between each moult until sexual maturity is reached.
- Zoea: One of the larval stages in certain crustaceans, such as crabs and shrimps.
Etymology
The term "larval" comes from the Latin larva, which means "mask" or "ghost". This term was used because the larval stage masks or hides the final form of the adult animal.
Pronunciation
Larval is pronounced as /ˈlɑːrvəl/.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Larval
- Wikipedia's article - Larval
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