How can Darwinian evolution explain the process of metamorphosis ?

Question

Metamorphosis is a complex process involving the radical change of a caterpillar (with no wings) into an adult butterfly capable of flight.

How could this process be the result of
evolution ?

Answer 1

Almost all complex organisms undergo maturation throughout thier lives. The metamorphasis of a butterfly is not so much different from the growth of a sapling into a tree, or from the maturation of ahuman being from infant to adult.

Since it is not effective to reproduce fully-grown organisms, they have to undergo a long process of maturation. This can provide them with the advantage of faster reproduction, and more efficient energy usage throughout thier lives. The processes can be complex, but we needn't dismiss the idea that they arose from natural selection out of hand.

Answer 2

This may help...
Stephen Jay Gould—— 1997. Darwinian Fundamentalism, part 1. New York Review of Books, June 12, pp. 34-37. Evolution: The Pleasures of Pluralism, part 2. New York Review of Books, June 26, pp. 47-52. [Reprinted in Italian: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.]

Answer 3

Regression. The organisms that metamorphose are changing form simpler ancestral forms to more complex adult forms.

Answer 4

Sounds like you should look a little more into evolution.

Answer 5

By showing the benefit (pros/cons, assuming pros would win out) of each stage of the change.