Which characteristic describes gradual metamorphosis?

• A. The life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
• B. The young look similar to the adults but differ in size and may not have fully developed wings.
• C. There is no metamorphosis.
• D. The adult and larva occupy different environments and have different diets.

Answer: (B)

Gradual metamorphosis involves eggs hatching into nymphs that resemble the adults, with growth occurring through several molts and often without a distinct pupal stage. The young are usually similar in form to the adults, just smaller and with developing wings or organs that mature over time. The statement matches this pattern because it describes young individuals that look like the adults, differing mainly in size and with wings not fully developed yet.

This differs from complete metamorphosis, which includes a larval and pupal stage with a drastic change in form, and from insects that don’t undergo metamorphosis at all. It also contrasts with scenarios where adults and larvae occupy different environments or diets, which is more typical of complete metamorphosis.