Which life stage is NOT part of gradual metamorphosis?

Prepare for the Georgia Certified Structural Pest Control Operator Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Ace your certification test!

In the context of insect life cycles, gradual metamorphosis, also known as hemimetabolism, includes three primary life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Gradual metamorphosis is characterized by the absence of a pupal stage; instead, the nymph stage resembles a smaller version of the adult without significant differences in form, other than size and perhaps some reproductive structures.

The life stage known as the pupa is associated with complete metamorphosis (or holometabolism), where the insect undergoes a significant transformation, usually involving a dormant pupal stage that serves as a transitional phase between the larval and adult stages. Since gradual metamorphosis does not include this pupal stage, it is the correct answer in this context. Understanding the differences between these metamorphic processes is crucial for recognizing the distinct biological and functional characteristics that define the life cycles of various insect species.

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