Which sequence represents the stages of complete metamorphosis?

The correct sequence representing the stages of complete metamorphosis is egg, larva, pupa, adult. In this developmental process, an organism begins as an egg, which hatches into a larva. This larva typically focuses on feeding and growth. Following the larval stage, the organism enters the pupa stage, during which it undergoes significant transformation and reorganization of its body structure. This is often a time of rest during which the larval body is broken down and restructured. Finally, the organism emerges as an adult, which is morphologically very different from its larval form, featuring specialized structures for reproduction.

This sequence distinguishes complete metamorphosis from incomplete metamorphosis, where the young often resemble smaller versions of the adult and go through nymph stages without a pupal stage. Understanding the stages of complete metamorphosis is crucial in fields such as pest control, as the lifecycle influences the timing and methods of pest management strategies.