A tadpole is the larva of a:

## The reasoning A **tadpole** is the aquatic, gill-breathing larval stage of **amphibians**, specifically frogs and toads. This is a classic example of **metamorphosis** — a complete transformation in body structure during development. Here's the life cycle: Adult frog lays eggs in water → Eggs hatch into tadpoles (with tails, gills, no legs) → Tadpole gradually develops legs, loses tail, develops lungs → Becomes adult frog. Frogs belong to class *Amphibia* (meaning "double life") because they live in water as larvae and on land as adults. This two-phase lifestyle is their signature feature. ## Why the wrong options tempt you **Fish (A)**: Tadpoles live in water and have gills like fish, so students confuse them. But fish babies are called "fry," and they stay fish — no metamorphosis! **Lizard/Snake (C/D)**: These are reptiles. They lay eggs on *land* that hatch directly into mini versions of adults — no larval stage at all. ## Quick takeaway **"Tadpole = baby frog"** — remember that amphibians are the only vertebrates with a dramatic water-to-land transformation, and tadpoles are their water babies!