Explanation of "Life Cycle"
Definition:
The term "life cycle" refers to the series of stages that an organism goes through from the beginning of its life until it can produce new life. This includes all the changes it undergoes as it grows and develops.
Usage Instructions
As a Noun: "Life cycle" is always used as a noun, so you can say "the life cycle of a butterfly" or "the life cycle of a plant."
In a Sentence: "The life cycle of a frog includes stages like egg, tadpole, and adult frog."
Example Sentences
"The life cycle of a butterfly starts as an egg, then becomes a caterpillar, then a pupa, and finally an adult butterfly."
"Understanding the life cycle of plants helps gardeners know when to plant and harvest."
Advanced Usage
Scientific Context: In biology, the term "life cycle" is often used to describe specific phases in the life of organisms, which can include metaphases like larval, juvenile, and adult stages.
In Ecology: Life cycles can also refer to interactions between species in an ecosystem, such as predator-prey relationships.
Word Variants
Life Cycles (plural): Refers to more than one organism's series of developmental stages.
Lifecycle (alternative spelling): This is often used in business contexts, such as "product lifecycle," which refers to the stages a product goes through from development to decline.
Different Meanings
Biology: The specific stages in the development of a living organism.
Business: Refers to the stages a product goes through in the market (introduction, growth, maturity, decline).
Synonyms
Developmental cycle
Growth cycle
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
"Circle of life": This phrase refers to the natural order of life and death and how living things depend on each other. For example, "The circle of life is evident in nature, where plants provide food for animals."
"Come full circle": This idiom means returning to the original position or state, similar to how life cycles repeat. For example, "After years of traveling, she came full circle and returned to her hometown."
Conclusion
Understanding "life cycle" helps us appreciate how living things grow, change, and contribute to their environment.