Question

A larval stage occurs in the life history of all members of the group

• A. frog, lizard and cockroach
• B. Ascaris, housefly and frog
• C. housefly, earthworm and mosquito
• D. butterfly, frog and mosquito.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To solve this question, we need to determine which group of organisms listed has a larval stage in their life cycle. Let's evaluate the options:

1. frog, lizard and cockroach:
   • Frog has a larval stage (tadpole).
   • Lizard does not have a larval stage as it undergoes direct development.
   • Cockroach undergoes incomplete metamorphosis and does not have a true larval stage.

   Thus, not all members have a larval stage.

2. Ascaris, housefly and frog:
   • Ascaris does not have a larval stage in the traditional sense, but rather develops into an adult from an egg after several molts.
   • Housefly has a larval stage (maggot).
   • Frog has a larval stage (tadpole).

   Ascaris does not have a distinct larval stage like housefly and frog do.

3. housefly, earthworm and mosquito:
   • Housefly has a larval stage (maggot).
   • Earthworm does not have a larval stage; it develops directly from a cocoon as a miniature adult.
   • Mosquito has a larval stage (larvae known as wrigglers).

   Earthworms do not have a larval stage, unlike houseflies and mosquitoes.

4. butterfly, frog and mosquito:
   • Butterfly has a larval stage (caterpillar).
   • Frog has a larval stage (tadpole).
   • Mosquito has a larval stage (larvae known as wrigglers).

   All three organisms have a distinct larval stage. This is the correct group.

Therefore, the correct answer is butterfly, frog, and mosquito, as they all have a larval stage in their life cycle.