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Larval Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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larval

[ˈlɑːrvəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

biological development

Larval refers to the juvenile or developmental stage of certain animals, particularly insects and amphibians, that emerges from the egg. This stage often involves significant morphological changes as the organism prepares for its mature form.

Synonyms

infantile, juvenile, preadult.

Examples of usage

  • The larval stage of the butterfly is known as a caterpillar.
  • During the larval phase, tadpoles breathe through gills.
  • Many sea creatures have larval stages that are vastly different from their adult forms.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Insects like butterflies, beetles, and moths start life as larvae, which are usually different in appearance and behavior from adults.
  • Some marine animals, like certain species of fish, also have larval stages that can drift with ocean currents before maturing.

Ecology

  • Larval stages play a crucial role in an ecosystem as they can serve as a food source for many animals, including fish and birds.
  • The survival of larvae is highly dependent on environmental factors like temperature and availability of food sources, making them sensitive indicators of ecological health.

Pop Culture

  • In popular media, larvae have often been portrayed in transformational themes, such as in movies showcasing creatures evolving into something greater.
  • Famous animated characters often depict larval forms, like caterpillars or tadpoles, emphasizing growth and change in storytelling.

Developmental Biology

  • The larval phase is a vital period where many insects undergo significant changes in structure through a process called metamorphosis.
  • Research on larval development helps scientists understand genetics, evolution, and the impacts of climate change on species' life cycles.

Origin of 'larval'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'larva' comes from the Latin word meaning 'mask' because larvae can look very different from their adult forms.
  • It was first used in English in the early 19th century, expanding the scientific vocabulary around insect development.

The term 'larval' originates from the Latin word 'larva', meaning 'mask' or 'ghost'. In the context of biology, it refers to the distinct life stage in the development of certain organisms, especially in insects and amphibians. This term first entered scientific literature in the early 19th century, as biologists began to study the complex life cycles of various species. The larval stage is crucial in the life cycle of many organisms as it often serves different ecological roles compared to adult forms. The use of 'larval' helps to emphasize the transformative aspects of growth and development in these species.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,939, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.