Final answer:
Determinate growth refers to the cessation of growth after an organism reaches adulthood, as seen in mammals. Indeterminate growth, on the other hand, occurs in some organisms like plants, where growth continues indefinitely in certain parts of the organism.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an animal stops growing after reaching adulthood, this is known as determinate growth. This development pattern imposes a static adult form, which denotes a defined end to the growth process. In mammals, including humans, growth ceases after reaching adulthood, indicating determinate growth. In contrast, indeterminate growth refers to a pattern where the organism grows continually, such as in many plants and fungi, where certain parts remain embryonic and allow for persistent growth throughout the organism's life.
For example, in the case of plants, some parts like stems and roots may grow throughout the plant's life, which is indeterminate. Other parts, such as leaves and flowers, stop growing when they reach a specific size, which is an example of determinate growth. Understanding the type of growth is significant, as it determines the structural and developmental limits of an organism, directly impacting its life cycle, including phases such as gestation, birth, maturity, senescence, and death.