Texas FFA Entomology CDE 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Ametabolous insects are indeed best described as those that do not undergo metamorphosis. This means that throughout their development, they do not transform into different life stages that are dramatically different from one another, as seen in insects that undergo complete or incomplete metamorphosis. Instead, ametabolous insects hatch from eggs as miniature versions of adults, termed "nymphs." These nymphs gradually mature into adults without any significant changes in form, apart from size increase and minor development of reproductive structures.

Insects classified as ametabolous include certain primitive forms such as silverfish and bristletails. This lack of metamorphosis is advantageous in certain environments where gradual development and maturation can help maintain consistency in habitat and dietary needs. The other options describe characteristics of different metamorphic processes, such as complete metamorphosis (where insects develop through distinct larval and pupal stages) or gradual changes (typical of hemimetabolous insects). Thus, the distinguishing feature of ametabolous insects lies in their direct development without metamorphosis.