Which of the following is an example of incomplete metamorphosis?

Incomplete metamorphosis refers to a specific type of insect development that includes three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. In this developmental process, the nymphs resemble small versions of the adults and gradually grow into their more mature forms without undergoing a distinct pupal stage.

Dragonflies exemplify this process effectively. They hatch from eggs into nymphs that live in water and undergo several molts before emerging as adult dragonflies. This gradual transformation allows them to adapt to their environments progressively while maintaining a similar body structure throughout their growth.

In contrast, butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis, transitioning through distinct stages including the larva (caterpillar) and pupa (chrysalis) before reaching the adult stage. Ants and beetles also experience complete metamorphosis, highlighting the clear distinction between complete and incomplete stages in insect development.