P3 Science Animal Life Cycle – Egg, Larva, Pupa & Adult Explained

Introduction

Life cycle questions are common in P3 Science animal life cycle topics, and many students lose marks by mixing up the order of stages.

In this question, we carefully identify the stages of an animal’s life cycle using logical sequence reasoning, just like in PSLE-style MCQs.

The Question

Study the lifecycle of an animal below. Each letter represents a stage.

If B represents the pupa stage, what stage does A represent?

Options:

1. Egg
2. Larva
3. Adult
4. Nymph

Step-by-Step Explanation (Following Teacher’s Working)

The diagram shows a complete life cycle:

Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult

Given Information

• B = Pupa

Identify Stage A

Looking at the arrows:

• Stage before pupa is larva
• Stage after larva is pupa

Therefore:

• A = Larva

✅ Final Answer

✔ Option (2): Larva

Key Science Concepts

This sequence applies to animals like butterflies and beetles.

Common Mistakes Students Make

❌ Thinking adult comes before pupa
❌ Confusing nymph with pupa
❌ Ignoring arrow direction in life cycle diagrams

For Parents

The P3 Science animal life cycle topic helps children:

• understand biological processes
• practise sequencing skills
• build foundations for PSLE Science concepts

Clear understanding at Primary 3 prevents confusion later in upper primary.

Conclusion

When answering P3 Science animal life cycle questions:

• Identify the given stage
• Follow the direction of arrows
• Recall the correct life cycle order

That’s why the correct answer is Larva (Option 2).