Which stages represent complete metamorphosis?

The correct stage representation of complete metamorphosis is characterized by the distinct developmental stages that include egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process is typical in many insects, such as butterflies and beetles, where the organism undergoes significant physiological changes at each stage.

In this context, the egg stage represents the initial development phase where the organism begins life. Following this is the larval stage, which is primarily focused on feeding and growth. After sufficient growth, the organism enters the pupal stage, where it undergoes transformation, reorganizing its body structure before emerging as an adult. The adult stage is the final form, capable of reproduction.

This comprehensive developmental process contrasts with other options. For example, the choices that include nymphs or naiads refer to incomplete metamorphosis where the organism develops gradually without undergoing a pupa stage. This is applicable in insects such as grasshoppers and dragonflies, which do not transform through a pupal stage but rather develop through instars, showing a more direct transition from juvenile to adult forms. The clarity of the larva and pupa stages in complete metamorphosis emphasizes the complexity and diversity within insect development, making this option the only accurate representation of complete metamorphosis.