Which statement about mites is true?

Which statement about mites is true?

• A. They develop by complete metamorphosis from egg to nymph to adult
• B. They develop by gradual metamorphosis from egg to nymph to adult
• C. They have no metamorphosis
• D. They are always predatory

Answer: (B)

Mites undergo incomplete (gradual) metamorphosis, meaning they develop through several molts without a pupal stage. They hatch from an egg into a larva, then molt through one or more nymphal stages before becoming an adult. This pattern—the egg, larva, (nymphs), to adult sequence with incremental changes—fits the description of gradual metamorphosis, so that statement is true. It’s also a reminder that mites aren’t strictly predatory; many feed on plants, fungi, or detritus, so the idea that they are always predatory isn’t accurate. They do undergo metamorphosis, so the claim of having no metamorphosis would be incorrect.

Mites undergo incomplete (gradual) metamorphosis, meaning they develop through several molts without a pupal stage. They hatch from an egg into a larva, then molt through one or more nymphal stages before becoming an adult. This pattern—the egg, larva, (nymphs), to adult sequence with incremental changes—fits the description of gradual metamorphosis, so that statement is true. It’s also a reminder that mites aren’t strictly predatory; many feed on plants, fungi, or detritus, so the idea that they are always predatory isn’t accurate. They do undergo metamorphosis, so the claim of having no metamorphosis would be incorrect.