What term best describes the transformation process from immature form to adult in amphibians?

The term that best describes the transformation process from the immature form to the adult in amphibians is metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is a biological process by which an organism undergoes a significant change in form and structure, transitioning from a juvenile stage, often significantly different in appearance and habits, to an adult stage that typically resembles the mature form of the species.

In amphibians, this process usually involves distinct life stages, such as the transformation from aquatic tadpoles with gills to terrestrial frogs with lungs. This transformation is crucial for their development, allowing them to adapt to different environments and ecological niches as they grow. Understanding metamorphosis is essential in studying amphibian biology and ecology, as it highlights the complexities of their life cycles and the adaptations they make for survival in varying conditions.

Gestation refers specifically to the period during which an embryo develops inside the womb of a mammal, and is not applicable to amphibians. Regeneration refers to the ability of some organisms to regrow lost parts, which is a different biological process. Adaptation generally describes the changes in a species over time to better fit into its environment, rather than the specific transformation seen in metamorphosis.