Biosphere Contents

2. Diversity

The sequence of stages of development that occurs in the life of an organism is called its life cycle

In sexually reproducing species the sequence of events can be summarised as gamete production via meiosis, fusion of the gametes to form a zygote, repeated cell divisions (mitosis) and cellular differentiation to produce an embryo and eventually to reach reproductive maturity, and the production of gametes again. This overall pattern hides a wealth of detail, both morphological and behavioural.

The moth life cycle

What does the term 'life cycle' refer to?