Question

Which one of the following does not have larvae in its life cycle?
A. Prawn
B. Earthworm
C. Crab
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: In the early developmental phase, the larval stage is described as an organism, which varies dramatically from its adult phase. This stage is converted into an adult phase in later stages. A larva is a separate immature phase of animal development in insects in particular. The term larva is used to denote young hatchling, which differs from the adult in the absence of essential organs such as sexual glands and related components.

Complete answer: The earthworm's life cycle begins with an embryo. It contains a young earthworm ready to hatch. In a cocoon, the egg is enclosed. The number of eggs can vary among species in the cocoon, for example, the Lumbricid family ranges from 1 to 20. When an earthworm reaches maturity, it sexually matures for the next generation to produce eggs. Between 3 to 80 cocoons are produced annually. Species of earthworms living in the deep underground produce fewer cocoons, as they are covered and hatch without any disturbance.

A larva is a different juvenile phase, in which several species are subjected to adult metamorphosis. The earthworm is part of the phylum Annelida and in their life cycle, there are no larvae. It has cocoons that burrow on the ground into a young worm and eventually a mature worm.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Note: During development, large mosquito larvae live exclusively in the aquatic area and after metamorphosing into adult forms, they live outside the water. In different environments, such adaptations are intended to defend them against predators and prevent competition for resources.