Question

The diagram shows the life cycle of a dragonfly.
An image of the life cycle of a dragonfly. Text that reads: 1 2 3 4.
Which statement best explains the process occurring in step 3 of the diagram?

A.
When the adults mate, a male transfers sperm to a female.
B.
Fertilized eggs are laid on water plants or released into water.
C.
A zygote develops into an embryo inside each fertilized egg.
D.
A nymph molts many times as it grows and changes into an adult.

Answer 1

To determine the correct answer for step 3 in the dragonfly life cycle diagram, let's break down the options:

A. "When the adults mate, a male transfers sperm to a female." - This statement describes mating, which typically occurs before the eggs are laid, so it would not fit as step 3 if it follows step 2 (mating).

B. "Fertilized eggs are laid on water plants or released into water." - This option describes the process of the female laying eggs, which would logically follow mating. If step 3 is after step 2 ( mating), then this option could refer to the action occurring at this stage.

C. "A zygote develops into an embryo inside each fertilized egg." - This statement refers to development within the egg, and it would happen after the eggs are laid, so it wouldn’t fit step 3.

D. "A nymph molts many times as it grows and changes into an adult." - This describes the growth phase of the nymph, which occurs after the eggs hatch, so it would not fit step 3 if step 3 refers to the egg-laying stage.

Given that we are interpreting step 3 as pertaining to what happens following the mating process, the best explanation for step 3 would be:

**B. Fertilized eggs are laid on water plants or released into water.**