Question

Insects can show three types of development. One of them, holometaboly (complete development), consists of the stages of egg, larva, pupa and sexually mature adult, which occupy different habitats. Insects with holometaboly belong to the most numerous orders in terms of known species. This type of development is related to a greater number of species due to the a) protection in the pupa stage, favoring the survival of fertile adults. b) production of many eggs, larvae and pupae, increasing the number of adults. c) exploration of different niches, avoiding competition between life stages. d) food intake at all stages of life, ensuring the emergence of adults. e) use of the same food in all stages, optimizing the body's nutrition.​

Answer 1

Three major types of insect development: a) Ametabolous development typified by the silverfish, b) Hemimetabolous development typified by the cockroach; in some hemimetabola such as termites and grasshoppers there may be more than one stage with wing pads that could be called nymphal; c) Holometabolous development

Answer 2

The correct answer is option C) exploration of different niches, avoiding competition between life stages.

Each phase of development presents a different habitat and niche, which prevents competition between species, that is, intraspecific competition. In this way, the effectiveness of the animal within its environment is increased, as well as its adaptation to the environment.

The other alternatives highlight stages of development that exist, but are not related to the increase in the number of species or to the justification presented.