Question

The life history of cockroach represents
A. Ametaboly
B. Holometaboly
C. Paurometaboly
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Cockroach belongs to the order Blattodea and is considered as an insect. Cockroaches develop by passing through three stages. These stages are called egg, nymph, and adult. The cockroach eggs do not undergo the pupal stage. This type of development refers to Hemimetabolism.

Complete answer: Hemimetabolism is a type of incomplete metamorphosis development. It is also called Paurometaboly. It is characterized by a nymph developmental stage which resembles the adult stage. In the cockroach, the nymph looks similar to the adult stage. But it has a thin exoskeleton and has no wings and reproductive organs that are functional. The cockroaches develop through three metamorphic stages called egg, nymph, and adult. All of these stages have to go through gradual changes. There is no pupal stage in the cockroach. All of these characteristics of cockroach represent Paurometaboly.
The adult stage of Paurometabolic animals does not undergo further molting. Molting simply refers to the shedding of the outer skeleton of the insect called the exoskeleton. Cockroaches, termites, mayflies, gladiators, crickets, etc. show Paurometaboly. Cockroaches are also referred to as the ancient group of insects that dates back to the Carboniferous period which is around 320 million years ago. The exoskeleton of cockroaches is generally made of chitin. Also, cockroaches are one of the hardiest insects as they are capable of remaining active without food for months. Cockroaches can be found in extreme habitats. These are present almost everywhere.
So, from the above discussion, we can conclude that option C is the right answer.

Note: An interesting fact about cockroaches is that they are thought to survive and inherit the earth if Humanity gets destroyed. Cockroaches are resistant to radiation which humans cannot tolerate. They can tolerate radiations six to fifteen times more than any vertebrates.