Life Cycle

The life cycle is a sequence of events that occur in a living organism from the time it is conceived to the time it dies. It encompasses all the changes that the organism undergoes throughout its existence, including growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

Major Phases of the Life Cycle:

1. Germination:* Occurs when a seed absorbs water and swells, initiating the growth of the radicle (root).

2. Growth:* Seedling grows roots and leaves.* Root explores soil for water and nutrients.* Leaves expand and photosynthesize, producing food for the plant.

3. Reproduction:* Mature plant produces seeds or spores.* Seeds are dispersed by wind, water, or animals.

4. Maturation:* Seed germinates and grows into a mature plant.* Plant produces flowers and seeds.

5. Death:* The organism dies due to old age, environmental factors, or disease.

Specific Examples:

Humans:* Birth, growth, puberty, adulthood, old age, death.

Plants:* Germination, growth, reproduction, maturation, death.

Animals:* Egg fertilization, gestation, birth, growth, reproduction, death.

Other Organisms:* Bacteria: reproduction, growth, death.* Fungi: spore germination, growth, reproduction, death.

Factors Affecting Life Cycle:

• Environmental factors: Temperature, water availability, light, nutrients.
• Genetic factors: Genes determine life cycle characteristics.
• Competition: Interactions with other organisms can affect growth and reproduction.
• Pathology: Diseases and parasites can disrupt life cycle stages.

Importance of Life Cycle:

• Understanding life: It provides insights into the processes of growth, reproduction, and death.
• Predicting population dynamics: Life cycle can forecast population trends and manage resources.
• Developing treatments: Understanding life cycle stages can lead to treatments for various diseases.
• Conservation: Life cycle helps identify endangered species and guide conservation efforts.