What defines simple metamorphosis?

The definition of simple metamorphosis, also known as incomplete metamorphosis, involves a developmental process that includes three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. In this cycle, the organism hatches from an egg as a nymph, which resembles a smaller version of the adult. The nymph gradually matures into an adult without going through a pupal stage.

The correct response indicates that simple metamorphosis encompasses only the egg and adult stages, but this actually overlooks the nymph stage that is crucial for this type of development. Since the other options incorporate various combinations, what distinguishes simple metamorphosis is the progression from egg to nymph and finally to adult, rather than just an egg directly transitioning to an adult.

Choosing the response that emphasizes the egg and adult aspect does not accurately reflect the full biological process, because simple metamorphosis fundamentally requires the presence of the nymph stage as an intermediary. Hence, for a complete understanding of simple metamorphosis, recognizing the importance of nymph is essential, while the response that suggests just egg and adult does not align with the established definitions in entomology regarding this form of development.