Life cycle

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Life Cycle

Life cycle (pronunciation: /ˈlaɪf ˈsaɪkəl/) is a term used in biology to describe the sequence of stages that an organism passes through from the start of its life until its death. The concept is central to understanding the processes of growth, development, reproduction, and aging in all living organisms.

Etymology

The term "life cycle" is derived from the Latin words "vita" meaning life and "cyclus" meaning circle or cycle. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the recurring patterns observed in the life histories of organisms.

Related Terms

  • Growth: The process by which an organism increases in size and complexity.
  • Development: The process of change and differentiation that leads to the mature form of an organism.
  • Reproduction: The process by which new individuals are produced.
  • Aging: The process of becoming older, typically involving physical and physiological decline.
  • Metamorphosis: A dramatic change in form or structure, particularly during the life cycle of certain animals.
  • Fertilization: The fusion of male and female gametes to form a new organism.
  • Birth: The process of being born, marking the beginning of an organism's life cycle.
  • Death: The end of an organism's life cycle.

Life Cycle Stages

The life cycle of an organism typically involves the following stages:

  1. Birth: The beginning of the life cycle.
  2. Growth and Development: The organism grows and develops, acquiring the characteristics of its species.
  3. Reproduction: The organism produces new individuals, either sexually or asexually.
  4. Aging and Death: The organism ages and eventually dies, marking the end of its life cycle.

Each stage of the life cycle is characterized by specific developmental and physiological changes. The duration and complexity of the life cycle can vary greatly among different species.

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