Animal Life Cycles
What is a Life Cycle?
- All animals have life cycles with at least two stages.
- A life cycle refers to the changes an organism goes through from inception through adult life. It is a process of change, or metamorphosis.
- Life cycles can differ for insects, amphibians, and other organisms.
Cottonwood leaf beetle life cycle (#309)
Complete vs. Incomplete Metamorphosis
Complete:
4 stages -
1) Egg
2) Larva
3) Pupa
4) Adult
Incomplete:
3 stages -
4 stages -
1) Egg
2) Larva
3) Pupa
4) Adult
Incomplete:
3 stages -
1) Egg
2) Nymph
3) Adult