Which of the following is NOT a stage in a simple (incomplete) life cycle?

Which of the following is NOT a stage in a simple (incomplete) life cycle?

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

Answer: (C)

In an incomplete, or simple, life cycle growth happens through molts from an egg to a nymph that resembles the adult, and then to the adult. There’s no pupal stage in this pathway. That makes the pupal stage the one that doesn’t fit. The egg and the adult are clearly parts of the cycle, and the nymph is the immature form in between. The pupal stage is instead a hallmark of complete metamorphosis, where a larva and a distinct pupa transform into a very different-looking adult.

In an incomplete, or simple, life cycle growth happens through molts from an egg to a nymph that resembles the adult, and then to the adult. There’s no pupal stage in this pathway. That makes the pupal stage the one that doesn’t fit. The egg and the adult are clearly parts of the cycle, and the nymph is the immature form in between. The pupal stage is instead a hallmark of complete metamorphosis, where a larva and a distinct pupa transform into a very different-looking adult.