What are the stages of incomplete metamorphosis?

The correct answer highlights the stages of incomplete metamorphosis, which typically involves three primary phases: egg, nymph, and adult. In some contexts, particularly when referring to aquatic insects, the term "naiads" is used interchangeably with "nymphs" to describe the juvenile form that undergoes gradual change into adulthood without a pupal stage.

In incomplete metamorphosis, the organism develops directly from egg to nymph, which resembles the adult form but is often smaller and lacks fully developed wings. As the nymph matures, it will undergo a series of molts, gradually taking on the characteristics of the adult before finally reaching the adult stage.

While the choice identifying the stages as egg, larva, adult might seem plausible, the term "larva" typically refers to the stage in complete metamorphosis found in insects like butterflies and beetles, which includes a distinct larval form before transitioning to pupa and then to adult. Similarly, the option mentioning pupa incorrectly applies to incomplete metamorphosis since it doesn't involve a pupal stage.

Therefore, the focus on "naiads" in the correct choice effectively showcases the understanding of the direct, gradual development process characteristic of incomplete metamorphosis, providing clarity about how