1. Egg Stage:
- Development: The organism starts its life as an egg, which is fertilized and protected by a shell.
- Embryo Growth: Inside the egg, the embryo goes through various developmental stages until it is fully formed.
- Incubation: The egg is incubated under specific environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, to facilitate embryo development.
- Hatching: Once the embryo matures, it hatches out of the egg, marking the end of the egg stage and the beginning of the next stage.
2. Larval Stage:
- Distinct Morphology: Larvae look very different from the adult form of the organism, both physically and anatomically.
- Feeding and Growth: Larvae are usually mobile and specialized for feeding and growing rapidly.
- Metamorphosis: In many cases, the larval stage involves a process called metamorphosis, during which the organism undergoes significant physical and structural changes.
- Transition: As larvae grow and develop, they eventually reach a point where they are ready for the next stage.
3. Adult Stage:
- Reproductive Maturity: Adult animals are sexually mature and capable of reproducing.
- Structural Changes: Some species may undergo additional changes during the transition from the larval to the adult stage, including changes in body shape, size, and coloration.
- Stable Form: In the adult stage, the animal assumes its final form and reproductive potential.
- Reproduction: Adults focus on finding mates, reproducing, and caring for their offspring, thereby ensuring the continuation of the species.
It is important to note that not all animals follow a 3-stage life cycle. Many organisms have simpler life cycles, such as direct development or having only two distinct stages. The 3-stage life cycle is particularly common in certain insect species, amphibians, and some marine animals.