The transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly is a complex process that has fascinated scientists for centuries. During this transformation, the caterpillar breaks down its own body through a process called self-digestion. However, certain groups of cells are able to survive and use the nutrients from the digested body to form the adult structures of a butterfly. This process is crucial in understanding the adaptability and metamorphosis of insects, making it a significant topic in the fields of biology and science.