Question

(A) The visual given shows the life cycle of a butterfly. Study the information carefully and then summarise it in the form of an analytical paragraph. Make comparisons and draw conclusions wherever applicable.

(A) For visually challenged students only: The following are notes about the four stages in the metamorphosis of butterflies. Summarise the notes in the form of an analytical paragraph:
Eggs        ⇢                       larva (known as caterpillar)
                                                              ⇣ 
 adult (known as butterfly)  ⇠  pupa (known as chrysalis

Hint:

• Understand the Data: Carefully analyze the information provided before writing.
• Identify Key Points: Focus on the most significant trends or comparisons.
• Use Comparisons: Compare and contrast the data wherever applicable.
• Conclude Clearly: End with a clear summary or observation based on the analysis.
• Keep it Concise: Stick to the word limit and avoid unnecessary details.

Answer 1

Life Cycle of a Butterfly

The life cycle of a butterfly is an interesting and intricate process that involves four distinct stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult (butterfly). The process begins when a butterfly lays its eggs on a suitable plant. The eggs hatch into larvae, which are commonly known as caterpillars.

During the larval stage, caterpillars feed voraciously, growing rapidly. Once they reach a certain size, they enter the pupa stage, where they form a chrysalis. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar undergoes a transformation, eventually emerging as an adult butterfly.

This process is a clear example of metamorphosis, where the organism completely changes its form. Comparing this with other insects, butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis, unlike some insects that only go through gradual metamorphosis. The entire life cycle of a butterfly takes several weeks, and it serves as a crucial part of nature’s cycle, contributing to pollination.