What stages occur in complete metamorphosis?

What stages occur in complete metamorphosis?

• A. Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult
• B. Egg → Nymph → Adult
• C. Egg → Pupa → Adult
• D. Egg → Larva → Nymph → Adult

Answer: (A)

Complete metamorphosis, or holometabolism, involves four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larva is typically worm-like and focused on feeding and growing, the pupa is a non-feeding stage where the insect reorganizes its tissues and organs, and the adult emerges with a form and lifestyle different from the larva and pupa, mainly for reproduction and dispersal. This four-stage sequence—Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult—fits the concept exactly, which is why it’s the correct choice. The other patterns don’t match complete metamorphosis: some skip a stage, and others use a nymph, which is characteristic of incomplete metamorphosis, where the immature stages resemble the adult.

Complete metamorphosis, or holometabolism, involves four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larva is typically worm-like and focused on feeding and growing, the pupa is a non-feeding stage where the insect reorganizes its tissues and organs, and the adult emerges with a form and lifestyle different from the larva and pupa, mainly for reproduction and dispersal. This four-stage sequence—Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult—fits the concept exactly, which is why it’s the correct choice. The other patterns don’t match complete metamorphosis: some skip a stage, and others use a nymph, which is characteristic of incomplete metamorphosis, where the immature stages resemble the adult.