What are the similarities and distinguishing features in the life cycles of a mosquito and a frog?
Similarities in the life cycles of mosquito and frog: Both begin life as eggs laid in or near water. Both pass through four distinct stages in their life cycle.
Both show significant changes in body shape and structure during their life stages (metamorphosis). Both have aquatic stages in their life cycle—mosquito larvae and pupae live in water, and tadpoles live in water.
Both have adult stages that can live outside water. Both reproduce to maintain continuity of their kind.
Distinguishing features: Mosquito life cycle stages are egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Frog life cycle stages are egg, tadpole, froglet, and adult.
Mosquito larvae and pupae look very different from the adult mosquito, while tadpoles gradually develop legs and lose their tail to become frogs. The adult mosquito survives for only 10-15 days, while frogs can live longer.
Adult mosquitoes can fly, while adult frogs can jump and live both on land and in water. Mosquito larvae and pupae breathe air from the water surface, while tadpoles use gills for breathing in water and adult frogs use lungs for breathing on land.
Explanation
The chapter describes the life cycle of a mosquito on Pages 14-17. Mosquitoes pass through four stages - egg, larva, pupa and adult. The adult mosquito may survive for 10 to 15 days. Significant changes occur in appearance, body shape and structure during various stages. The life cycle of a frog is described on Pages 17-19. Frogs also pass through four stages - the egg stage, the tadpole stage (with early stage having tail and no legs, and late stage with hind legs), the froglet stage, and the adult frog stage. Tadpoles live in water and use tails for swimming. Froglets still live in water but begin spending time on land. Adult frogs live both in water and on land, using strong legs for jumping.
Solution Steps
Both mosquitoes and frogs begin life as eggs in or near water and pass through four distinct stages.
Both species undergo metamorphosis and have aquatic young stages (larvae/pupae or tadpoles) and terrestrial adults.
The mosquito life cycle stages are egg, larva, pupa, and adult, whereas the frog life cycle stages are egg, tadpole, froglet, and adult.
Mosquito larvae look distinct from adults, while tadpoles gradually transform by growing legs and losing their tail.
Adult mosquitoes fly and have short lifespans (10-15 days), while adult frogs jump, live on land and water, and live longer.
Breathing mechanisms differ: mosquito larvae breathe from the surface, tadpoles use gills, and adult frogs use lungs.