Science·Ecosystems & Habitats·conceptual
Animal Life Cycles
Describe differences in the life cycles of mammals, amphibians, insects, and birds, comparing metamorphosis with direct development
Suggested ages 9–10
Learning journey
Your child is learning about how living things reproduce and grow — comparing different life cycles from mammals to insects, and understanding the various ways plants and animals create new generations.
Evidence of understanding
- Describe the life cycle of a mammal, amphibian, insect, and bird with key stages for each
- Compare metamorphosis (complete change of form) with direct development (gradual growth)
- Identify which groups undergo metamorphosis and which do not
Assessment prompt
Can Animal Life Cycles explain how a butterfly's life cycle (egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly) is completely different from how a puppy grows into a dog?
Standards alignment
Y5.Sci.LTH.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Differences in life cycles
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2