Biology Life Cycle — Metamorphosis of a Butterfly Arrange the stages of a butterfly's life cycle in correct order: 1. Butterfly 2. Cocoon (pupa) 3. Egg 4. Worm (caterpillar/larva)

Introduction / Context:
This reasoning item draws on basic biology. Butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis, transitioning through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Correctly ordering these demonstrates understanding of a natural growth cycle.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Stages: 3 = Egg, 4 = Worm (caterpillar), 2 = Cocoon (pupa), 1 = Butterfly (adult).
• We assume standard Lepidoptera life cycle terminology.

Concept / Approach:
Complete metamorphosis proceeds sequentially: egg → larva (caterpillar) → pupa (cocoon/chrysalis) → adult butterfly. Each stage prepares the organism for the next, culminating in reproductive maturity as an adult.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Elementary biology texts depict this exact progression. Any deviation (e.g., placing butterfly before cocoon) contradicts the developmental order.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• A, B, C: They start with the adult or place stages out of order, violating metamorphosis logic.
• None of the above: Not applicable because a correct sequence is present.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the terms cocoon and chrysalis or mistaking the larval stage name. Regardless of terminology, the order remains egg → larva → pupa → adult.

Final Answer:
3, 4, 2, 1