Learning Outcomes for Test #18
Unit 4, Lesson 6
Name: ______________________________
Test Date: ___________________________
Vocabulary: Students need to learn and understand the meaning of the following vocabulary words AND be able to
apply them to a variety of situations. KNOW THESE DEFINTIONS BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS!!!!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
metamorphosis – a series of distinct growth stages in an animal’s life cycle that are different from one
another
complete metamorphosis – a series of four distinct growth stages in an animal’s life cycle
larva – an immature stage in complete metamorphosis where the organism does not resemble the adult
pupa – a nonfeeding stage in complete metamorphosis in which a hard, caselike cocoon surrounds the
organism
incomplete metamorphosis – in an animal’s life cycle, a series of three growth stages that occur gradually
nymph – a stage of metamorphosis where the organism is similar to an adult form but is smaller
Students will learn in class about the following topics. Be prepared to be assessed on them.
1. Name some animals that go through complete metamorphosis: butterflies, moths, flies, and
beetles.
2. In complete metamorphosis, the animal goes through four distinct phases: egg, larva, pupa,
adult. In the life cycle of a butterfly, what stage is the caterpillar? larva
3. ***The pupa is often thought to be a resting stage. Why is this incorrect? Although it seems
quiet, the organism inside the cocoon is very active. The entire body is changing. For example, in the pupa
stage, a caterpillar is changing into a butterfly with the appearance of wings, different mouth parts, new
muscles, and new legs. When the cocoon opens, an adult butterfly with a completely restructured body
emerges.
4. Some insect species, including grasshoppers, termites, and bedbugs, go through incomplete
metamorphosis. In incomplete metamorphosis the animal goes through three stages gradually: egg, nymph,
adult. For example, grasshoppers take on the nymph body form after hatching from eggs. A nymph is similar to
an adult form, but it is smaller and lacks wings and reproductive structures. There may be several different
nymph stages before the animal becomes an adult.
5. ***Why can’t grasshoppers grow gradually like mammals, reptiles, and birds do?
Grasshoppers have an exoskeleton. This does not increase in size as they grow. They must shed their hard,
outer skeletons to make room for a larger body size. Grasshoppers go through five separate shedding
stages before they reach adulthood.
6. What metamorphosis stage is skipped in incomplete metamorphosis? Explain. In incomplete
metamorphosis, the nymph stage is the same as the larva stage in complete metamorphosis, and the pupa
stage is skipped.
7. How does an amphibian’s life cycle differ from that of other vertebrates? Amphibians go
through metamorphosis, but other vertebrates do not.
8. The life cycle of a frog is egg, tadpole, froglet, adult. It is a cycle, because the adults
reproduce, and new eggs are laid. This starts the cycle over.
9. ***Is it easier to tell whether a frog is an adult or whether a crow is an adult? Explain. It is
easier to tell whether a frog is an adult because a frog has distinct stages of life. If it still has a tail or
does not have legs, it is not an adult yet. A crow has the same physical features as it grows, so it is
difficult to tell when the crow is an adult.
10. Tadpoles with gills and tails emerge from eggs. They are completely aquatic for the first
parts of their lives. Most tadpoles are herbivores, or plant eaters. As tadpoles grow, they gradually lose their
tails and start to develop legs and lungs, becoming a froglet. The froglets eventually become adults and
move onto land. There they breathe air and have a carnivorous, or meat eating diet.
11. How does a bird’s egg protect the embryo developing inside? The shell keeps the embryo from drying out.
The yolk provides food for the developing embryo. How is a fish or amphibian egg protected? By a jelly-like
layer that surrounds the egg.
12. Animals have different eggs depending on their structures and the environments in which they live.
13. ***How are the eggs of animals alike? How are they different? Most fish, amphibians, and reptiles lay eggs
that mature outside the body. Birds and a few mammals also lay eggs that mature outside the body.
Most mammals produce eggs and embryos that mature inside the mother. The eggs of fish and
amphibians have a jelly-like outer layer. The eggs of birds and reptiles have a harder, protective outer
layer.
14. Monotremes are the only mammals that lay eggs. All other mammals give birth to live young.