Animal Life Cycles

• Identify the different stages that animals go through in a life cycle.

• Compare the life cycles of different kinds of animals.

Vocabulary

• Adult-the stage of an animal’s life cycle when it reproduces. • Egg-a structure containing food that young animals need in order

to grow. • Hatching- the process by which an animal breaks out of an egg.• Larva-a young insect that has just hatched. • Life Cycle- the stages through which animals grow, change,

reproduce, and die.• Metamorphosis- a process by which an organism’s body changes

form.• Pupa- the stage in which an insect is changing into an adult.• Tadpole- a young frog that breathes with gills.

What are some animal life cycles?Different types of animals change in different ways. Some animals are born

looking like their parents. Others are not. These

animals might change shape or color as they grow. They

may even grow new structures. The way an

animal changes with age is part of its life cycle.

Metamorphosis Some animals change shape

through a process called metamorphosis.

Amphibians and most insects go through

metamorphosis. Their life cycle begins with an egg.

Eggs contain food that young animals need. Most have a shell that protects

the animal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHn4-L2C3t0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5QH3bGF4uU

Reptiles, Fish, & Birds

Reptiles, fish, and birds have similar life cycles. Most of these

animals lay eggs. Reptiles lay eggs on dry land. Fish lay eggs in water. Birds often build nests to protect

their eggs. An animal grows inside the egg. Young reptiles, fish, and

birds do NOT go through metamorphosis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGoayx3Hvo4

In time, young reptiles, fish and birds grow into adults. Now they can reproduce and have young of their

own. Most reptiles and fish do not look after their

young. The young can find food on their own. Birds

often raise their young until the young can fly and find

food for themselves.

Reptiles, Fish, & Birds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DqjsWsY8-g

Mammal Life CycleMammals do not hatch from eggs. Young mammals are born live. They

look much like their parents from the start. Adult mammals feed and care for their young. As they grow, young mammals lose fat and grow

stronger.

Review 1. Main Idea: Describe the life cycles of two different animals.

2. Vocabulary: What is metamorphosis?

3. Sequence: Name the stages in a sea turtle’s life cycle.

4. Critical Thinking: Do you go through metamorphosis? How do you know?

5. An iguana’s life cycle would be most like a…

A. Turtle

B. Cheetah

C. Fly

D. Bear