GED Science Practice

What is a maggot?

1. a larva of the housefly and blowfly

2. molten rock in the earth's crust

3. an infective disease caused by sporozoan parasites

4. a thin coagulable fluid containing white blood cells

The correct answer is: a larva of the housefly and blowfly

A maggot is indeed a larva of the housefly and blowfly. This stage in the life cycle occurs after a fly lays eggs, which then hatch into larvae, commonly referred to as maggots. These larvae play significant roles in ecosystems, particularly in decomposition, where they help break down organic matter. In biological studies and pest management, understanding the life cycle of flies, including the maggot stage, is crucial for controlling fly populations and managing waste effectively. The other options refer to geological, medical, or biological phenomena that are unrelated to the life cycle of flies, making them less relevant in the context of defining what a maggot is.