Life cycle (biology)
Life Cycle (Biology)
The Life Cycle in Biology refers to the series of changes in the life of an organism, including the stages of growth, development, and reproduction.
Pronunciation
- Life Cycle: /ˈlaɪf ˈsaɪkəl/
Etymology
The term "Life Cycle" is derived from the Latin words "vita" meaning life, and "cyclus" meaning circle or cycle.
Definition
In biology, a Life Cycle is the sequence of stages that an organism goes through from the start of one generation to the start of the next. It includes all the physical and physiological changes the organism undergoes, starting from a single cell to a fully grown individual, and then back to a single cell again in the form of a gamete.
Stages of Life Cycle
The stages of a life cycle can vary greatly among different organisms but generally include:
- Birth or Hatching
- Growth and Development
- Reproduction
- Death
Types of Life Cycles
There are three main types of life cycles in organisms:
Related Terms
See Also
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