What type of life cycle is characterized by distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages?

The type of life cycle characterized by distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages is complete metamorphosis. This process involves four stages:

1. Egg Stage: The life cycle begins with the laying of eggs, which will eventually hatch into larvae.

2. Larval Stage: After hatching, the larvae emerge and go through various instars (growth phases), typically appearing significantly different from the adult form and often focusing on feeding and growth.

3. Pupal Stage: Once the larvae reach a certain size, they undergo a transformation in the pupal stage, where they often do not feed and are encased in a protective shell. During this time, they undergo significant internal changes.

4. Adult Stage: After the pupal stage, the mature insect emerges, fully developed, and ready to reproduce.

This life cycle allows for a dramatic change in form and function from one stage to the next, which is essential for the survival and adaptation of many insect species. In contrast, simple metamorphosis involves fewer stages without a pupal phase, gradual metamorphosis encompasses a simpler alteration of forms, and direct development refers to organisms that do not undergo any of these distinct stages, leading