Which life stage is present in complete metamorphosis but not in incomplete metamorphosis?

• A. Pupa
• B. Nymph
• C. Larva
• D. Adult

Answer: (C)

In complete metamorphosis, organisms pass through four distinct life forms: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. In incomplete metamorphosis, they go through three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The larva is a form that appears in complete metamorphosis (think caterpillar or maggot) and is markedly different from the adult, with development continuing through the pupal stage to become the adult. In incomplete metamorphosis, there is no larval stage; the immature forms are nymphs that resemble small adults and molt directly into adults. So the larva is the life stage present in complete metamorphosis but not in incomplete metamorphosis. The other options don’t fit the same way: nymphs are characteristic of incomplete metamorphosis; adults are present in both; pupae are also specific to complete metamorphosis but the option chosen highlights the larval form as the distinguishing non-adult stage in complete metamorphosis.