What type of metamorphosis is observed in fleas?

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Fleas undergo complete metamorphosis, which is characterized by four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This type of metamorphosis involves a dramatic transformation as the organism develops from a larval stage into a fully formed adult, which differs significantly in form and function from the previous stages, particularly the larva.

During the larval stage, fleas are elongated, worm-like, and do not resemble adults. They primarily feed on organic debris, including the feces of adult fleas, and go through several molts before encasing themselves in a protective pupal cocoon. Once they emerge as adults, they exhibit entirely new behaviors and physical characteristics suited to their parasitic lifestyle as they feed on the blood of mammals and birds.

This cycle of development contrasts with other types of metamorphosis. Gradual metamorphosis would involve stages that are more similar to the adult form throughout their development, which is not applicable to fleas. Options suggesting no metamorphosis or simple metamorphosis imply developmental processes that do not align with the flea's life cycle, which involves significant morphological changes through well-defined stages.

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