Bagworm moth caterpillars feed on evergreens and carry a silken case or bag around with them in which they eventually pupate. Adult female bagworm moths are larval in appearance; they lack the wings and other structures of the adult male and instead retain the appearance of a caterpillar even though they are sexually mature and can lay eggs within the bag. Which of the following processes is exemplified by bagworm moths?
A) allometric growth
B) paedomorphosis
C) sympatric speciation
D) adaptive radiation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paedomorphosis is the process where an organism retains juvenile characteristics into adulthood. In the case of the bagworm moth, the adult female retains the appearance of a caterpillar, which is an example of paedomorphosis.

Bagworm Moth Caterpillars Feed on Evergreens and Carry a Silken