What does gradual metamorphosis involve?

Gradual metamorphosis, also known as hemimetabolism, involves a life cycle that consists of three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. In this process, the organism hatches from an egg and emerges as a nymph, which resembles the adult but is typically smaller and lacks fully developed wings. As the nymph grows, it goes through multiple molts, gradually developing into the adult form. This type of metamorphosis does not include a pupal stage or larval stage, which are characteristic of other forms of metamorphosis, such as complete metamorphosis (holometabolism).

Understanding gradual metamorphosis helps in recognizing the developmental patterns of certain insects, such as grasshoppers and mayflies, which undergo these stages and provide insight into their biology and ecology.