The development of Periplaneta americana is

Options

A. (a) holometabolous
B. (b) paurometabolous
C. (c) ametabolous
D. (d) hemimetabolous

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the development of Periplaneta americana, which is the scientific name for the cockroach, we need to follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Organism**:
- Periplaneta americana is the scientific name for the cockroach. It is important to recognize this to understand its biological classification.

2. **Classify the Organism**:
- Cockroaches belong to the phylum **Arthropoda** and the class **Insecta**. This classification is crucial as it helps in understanding the characteristics and developmental processes of the organism.

3. **Understand the Body Structure**:
- The body of a cockroach is segmented and divided into three main parts: **head, thorax, and abdomen**. This segmentation is a key feature of insects.

4. **Metamorphosis Process**:
- Cockroaches undergo a type of development known as **metamorphosis**, which involves several stages. Specifically, they pass through various **nymphal stages** before reaching adulthood.

5. **Define Nymphal Stages**:
- Nymphal stages are the earlier, less developed stages of a cockroach. The transition from nymph to adult occurs through a process called **ecdysis**.

6. **Ecdysis Explanation**:
- Ecdysis is the shedding of the exoskeleton, which is made of chitin. This process is periodic and occurs approximately **13 times** during the development of a cockroach from nymph to adult.

7. **Hormonal Regulation**:
- The process of ecdysis is regulated by a hormone called **ecdysone**. This hormone is essential for the transformation of nymphs into adults.

8. **Identify the Type of Development**:
- The type of development that involves passing through various nymphal stages and undergoing ecdysis is known as **hemimetabolous development**.

9. **Select the Correct Answer**:
- Based on the understanding of the development process, the correct answer to the question is **option D: hemimetabolous**.

### Final Answer:
The development of Periplaneta americana (cockroach) is **hemimetabolous**.

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