Which developmental stages are involved in gradual metamorphosis?

The stages involved in gradual metamorphosis are egg, nymph, and adult. In this process, an insect begins its life as an egg. Once it hatches, it enters the nymph stage, which resembles the adult form but is not sexually mature. The nymph grows and molts several times, gradually developing into the adult form. This series of stages is characteristic of insects like grasshoppers and cockroaches. The gradual change from nymph to adult allows for a less dramatic transition compared to complete metamorphosis, which involves distinct stages like pupa. Understanding these stages is crucial for recognizing the life cycle of certain insects and their developmental patterns in horticulture and ecology.