Which of the following is a characteristic of a simple metamorphosis life cycle?

In a simple metamorphosis life cycle, insects undergo a developmental process characterized by three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. This cycle does not include a distinct larval stage as seen in complex metamorphosis. Instead, the young (nymphs) resemble smaller versions of the adults, gradually growing through successive molts into their mature form.

The absence of a larval stage distinguishes simple metamorphosis from complex metamorphosis, which includes larvae that look significantly different from the mature insects and undergo a transformation stage in a pupa. In contrast, options that mention larval stages or a pupa stage do not apply to simple metamorphosis. Additionally, while nymphs may undergo multiple molts, the defining feature here is the lack of a larval stage, which is the key characteristic of simple metamorphosis.