Many insects, like honeybees, undergo complete metamorphosis, a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage is distinct in form and function. The larva, such as a caterpillar or maggot, is a voracious eating machine, dedicated to accumulating energy. The pupa, which might be a chrysalis or cocoon, is a seemingly dormant stage. On the outside, little appears to be happening, but inside, a radical transformation occurs as the larval body is broken down and reorganized into its adult form. Finally, the adult emerges, a stage focused on reproduction and dispersal. This complex process allows the organism to specialize its activities, avoiding competition between its younger and mature forms.
The author's main purpose is to
- compare the life cycles of honeybees and butterflies.
- explain the distinct stages and functions of complete metamorphosis. (correct answer)
- persuade readers to appreciate the importance of insects in the ecosystem.
- describe the physical appearance of an insect pupa in great detail.
Explanation: The correct answer is B. The passage systematically describes each of the four stages of complete metamorphosis, explaining what happens in each ('eating machine,' 'radical transformation,' 'reproduction and dispersal'). The overall goal is to inform the reader about this biological process. A is incorrect because butterflies are only mentioned as an example of a larva (caterpillar); no comparison is made with honeybees. C is incorrect because the tone is scientific and descriptive, not persuasive. It explains a biological process without arguing for the value of insects. D is incorrect because it focuses on a single detail (the pupa stage), whereas the passage covers all four stages equally.