Animal Life Cycles Identify the different stages that animals go through in a life cycle. Compare the life cycles of different kinds of animals.

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. Vocabulary

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

Reptiles, Fish, & Birds 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. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DqjsWsY8-g

Mammal Life Cycle Mammals 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 Main Idea: Describe the life cycles of two different animals. Vocabulary: What is metamorphosis? Sequence: Name the stages in a sea turtle’s life cycle. Critical Thinking: Do you go through metamorphosis? How do you know? An iguana’s life cycle would be most like a… Turtle Cheetah Fly Bear