Which stage is associated with feeding and growth in complete metamorphosis?

In complete metamorphosis, the larva stage is specifically dedicated to feeding and growth. This larval stage follows the egg and is critical for the organism’s early development. During this period, larvae typically consume large amounts of food to grow rapidly and accumulate energy reserves necessary for their transition to the next stage, the pupa.

In contrast, the nymph stage pertains to incomplete metamorphosis and features similar life stages but does not include a distinct larva stage. The pupa stage is one of transformation, where significant changes occur as the organism prepares to emerge as an adult, but there is no feeding during this phase. The adult stage focuses on reproduction rather than growth, which has already occurred during the larval period. Thus, the larva is the correct answer as it is exclusively associated with the process of feeding and growth prior to metamorphosis into the adult form.