Larval Development
Larval development is a crucial stage in the life cycle of many organisms, particularly in insects, amphibians, and marine animals. During this phase, the organism undergoes significant changes, transforming from an egg into a larva. The larva often has a different form and habitat compared to the adult, allowing it to exploit different resources and environments.
In insects, for example, the larval stage can involve several molts, where the larva grows and sheds its exoskeleton. This process is essential for the eventual metamorphosis into the adult form. In frogs, the larval stage is represented by tadpoles, which live in water and breathe through gills before developing into air-breathing adults.