What is the number of stages in the nematode lifecycle?

The correct answer indicates that the nematode lifecycle consists of six distinct stages. This includes four juvenile stages (often referred to as J1, J2, J3, and J4), which follow the initial egg stage and precede the final adult stage.

In the lifecycle, after hatching from the egg, the nematode undergoes several molts, progressing through each juvenile stage before reaching maturity as an adult. Each of these stages is critical for development, as environmental conditions, nutrition, and other factors can significantly impact growth and success in reaching adulthood.

Understanding the specific stages helps in the context of pest management, as recognizing these development phases enables more effective strategies for controlling nematode populations, particularly when considering their impact on agriculture and the environment.