indirect development

Indirect development in biology is characterized by metamorphosis, a significant physical transformation that occurs after birth or hatching. Unlike direct development, where an animal's young stage closely resembles the adult form with only minor differences (aside from sexual maturity), indirect development involves distinct larval stages.1234

For example, butterflies hatch as larvae (caterpillars), then enter a pupa stage (chrysalis), before emerging as adults. During this metamorphosis, much of the caterpillar's tissue is broken down and used as energy for the adult's development. Other animals, like sea urchins, also undergo metamorphosis, with their larval forms disintegrating as the adult develops. This process allows for different stages to be adapted to different environments and roles, such as dispersal or feeding.25