This is the scientific term for the amazing process which takes place inside an amphibian tadpole as it changes from using gills to lungs for breathing. Tadpoles quickly develop gills after hatching out of their jelly wrapping but their bodies have to undergo major changes if they are to leave the water in a few months looking like miniature versions of their parents.

They must completely change from using gills to breathe, their digestive system will change from consuming plants to becoming carnivorous, they must grow legs and absorb their tadpole tails – all in just a few weeks!