Question 11 of 13intermediate🔍 AnalyzeShort Answer2 marks

Try to observe some of the stages in the life cycle of a butterfly or a moth. Are these stages similar to the stages in the life cycle of a mosquito?

Correct Answer

Yes, the stages in the life cycle of a butterfly or moth are similar to the stages in the life cycle of a mosquito. Both undergo complete metamorphosis with four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

In butterflies and moths, the adult lays eggs on leaves. These eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) that feed on leaves and grow. The caterpillar forms a pupa (chrysalis in butterflies, cocoon in moths), which transforms into an adult butterfly or moth.

In mosquitoes, the adult female lays eggs on or near water. These eggs hatch into larvae that live in water. The larvae transform into pupae, which then transform into adult mosquitoes.

Both show dramatic changes in body shape and structure during metamorphosis. The larval stage looks completely different from the adult stage in both cases.

The silk moth example in the chapter (Page 17) confirms this similarity – eggs hatch into larvae, larvae secrete silk thread and wrap around themselves before changing to pupae, and pupae transform into adults.

Exercise: Learning further | Q: 13 | (Page Page 23)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter describes the life cycle of a mosquito on Pages 16-17, showing four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The chapter also mentions the silk moth on Page 17, which passes through four life stages - egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Larvae secrete thread-like material which they wrap around themselves before changing to pupae. This confirms that butterflies, moths, and mosquitoes all undergo complete metamorphosis with similar life stages. The significant changes in appearance, body shape, and structure during various stages are characteristic of insects that undergo complete metamorphosis.

Solution Steps

  1. Both butterflies/moths and mosquitoes undergo complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult

  2. In butterflies/moths: eggs on leaves → caterpillars (larvae) → chrysalis/cocoon (pupa) → adult

  3. In mosquitoes: eggs on/near water → aquatic larvae → pupae → adult mosquitoes

  4. Both show dramatic changes in body shape during metamorphosis, with larval stage appearing completely different from adult

  5. The silk moth example confirms this pattern of complete metamorphosis

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