Life Cycles
Every living thing goes through a series of stages from birth to death. These stages form a life cycle — and understanding them shows us how life continues from one generation to the next.
Plant Life Cycle
Most plants follow this cycle:
- Seed — A seed contains a tiny embryo plant and stored food
- Germination — The seed sprouts roots and a shoot when it gets water and warmth
- Seedling — A young plant with its first leaves
- Adult Plant — Fully grown; produces flowers
- Pollination & Fertilization — Pollen transfers to flowers; seeds form
- Seed Dispersal — Seeds spread by wind, water, animals, or the plant itself
Butterfly Life Cycle (Complete Metamorphosis)
Butterflies (and moths, bees, beetles) go through four stages:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Egg | Laid on a leaf by the female |
| Larva (Caterpillar) | Hatches from egg; eats constantly to grow |
| Pupa (Chrysalis) | Protective case; body transforms completely |
| Adult (Butterfly) | Emerges with wings; reproduces |
This process is called complete metamorphosis (4 stages). Grasshoppers and dragonflies have incomplete metamorphosis (3 stages: egg → nymph → adult).
Frog Life Cycle
- Egg — Frogs lay eggs in water (called spawn)
- Tadpole — Hatches from egg; has tail and gills; lives in water
- Froglet — Grows legs while tail shrinks; moves toward land
- Adult Frog — Lives on land and in water; breathes air; reproduces
Amphibian Adaptation
Frogs begin life as water-breathers and end as air-breathers — one of nature's most dramatic transformations.
Quick Quiz
Test what you just learned. Choose the best answer for each question.