What type of lifecycle do both ants and beetles share?

Both ants and beetles share a complete life cycle, which consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This type of lifecycle allows for significant changes in form and function as the organism develops from an immature stage to a mature one, enabling it to occupy different ecological niches during its life.

In the case of ants, the lifecycle begins with an egg that hatches into a larva, which is fed and grows until it enters the pupal stage. After this, the pupae undergo metamorphosis, eventually emerging as adult ants. Similarly, beetles follow the same progression, with larvae that can differ greatly in shape and lifestyle from the adult beetles they will become. Both species benefit from this complete lifecycle as it helps in reducing competition between life stages, as larvae often inhabit different environments than adults.

Thus, the correct answer highlights a fundamental aspect of their biology and reveals their adaptive strategies for survival and reproduction, making "complete life cycle" the best choice.