Larva
Explanation
In the life cycles of many animals, the organism that hatches from the egg differs significantly in morphology from the adult. These organisms undergo a biological process called metamorphosis, which involves distinct developmental stages transforming the immature form into a sexually mature adult.Option Analysis:
- Foetus: This term refers to the unborn offspring of a mammal (specifically viviparous animals) that has developed recognizable features of the species. It develops inside the uterus and is not an intermediate stage for egg-laying insects or amphibians.
- Larva: Correct. A larva is the active, immature form of an insect or amphibian that is morphologically distinct from the adult. For example, the caterpillar is the larval stage of a silkworm, and the tadpole is the larval stage of a frog. These stages undergo metamorphosis to become adults.
- Nymph: This refers to the immature form of insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis (e.g., cockroaches, grasshoppers). A nymph resembles the adult structurally but lacks wings and mature reproductive organs. It does not apply to organisms with distinct larval stages like silkworms or frogs.
- Clone: A clone is a genetically identical copy of an organism produced through asexual reproduction or biotechnology. It is not a developmental stage within a life cycle.
Key Takeaway: The larva is the sexually immature, morphologically distinct intermediate stage in the life cycle of organisms undergoing complete metamorphosis, such as silkworms and frogs.