Livscyklus

Livscyklus is the sequence of stages that characterize the lifespan of a living organism or a system, from origin to renewal or termination. In biology it refers to the developmental pathway from conception or birth to reproduction and death, while in other contexts it can denote the life stages of a product, ecosystem, or organization.

In biology, life cycles vary widely. Many animals progress from fertilized egg to juvenile and then adult, with varying routes to maturity. Some undergo metamorphosis, such as insects that go from egg to larva to pupa to adult, while others experience direct development, emerging as essentially miniature versions of the adult. Plants often display alternation of generations, with distinct multicellular haploid (gametophyte) and diploid (sporophyte) phases. Some organisms exhibit complex cycles that include resting stages or host-dependent stages in their life history.

Life cycles influence how populations grow and respond to environments. Traits such as timing of reproduction, number of offspring, and developmental rate reflect evolutionary compromises between growth, survival, and reproduction. Ecologists study how different life cycles affect species interactions, seasonality, and ecosystem dynamics.

The concept is also used outside biology. In environmental science and industry, a life cycle assessment (LCA) analyzes the environmental impacts of a product or service across all stages, from raw material extraction to disposal. Understanding life cycles helps in planning management, conservation, and sustainable design.