Summary
The life cycle of animals can have either three or four stages, depending on the species. Some animals like chickens, cockroaches, and grasshoppers have a three-stage life cycle, while others like beetles and butterflies have a four-stage life cycle.
- Three-stage life cycle — involves egg, young, and adult stages. Example: Chicken, cockroach, grasshopper
- Four-stage life cycle — involves egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Example: Beetle, butterfly
- Mosquito life cycle — includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, with a breathing tube for larvae to help them breathe. Example: Mosquito
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Three-stage life cycle: Egg, young, adult
- Four-stage life cycle: Egg, larva, pupa, adult
- Mosquito life cycle: Egg, larva, pupa, adult
Common Confusions
- Confusing the stages of three-stage and four-stage life cycles
- Misunderstanding the role of the breathing tube in mosquito larvae
Typical Exam Questions
- What are the stages of a three-stage life cycle? Egg, young, adult
- What are the stages of a four-stage life cycle? Egg, larva, pupa, adult
- Which stage of the mosquito’s life cycle is the easiest to kill? Larva or pupa stage
What Examiners Usually Test
- Ability to identify and describe the stages of different animal life cycles
- Understanding the dangers posed by mosquitoes and their life cycle