What is the life cycle of a bristle worm?

The life cycle of a bristle worm, or polychaete, typically begins with the release of eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization occurs. The fertilized eggs develop into free-swimming larvae called trochophores, which then undergo metamorphosis into a more mature form known as a metatrochophore. As they mature, these larvae settle on the ocean floor and develop into adult bristle worms, characterized by their segmented bodies and bristles. Depending on the species, bristle worms can have varying reproductive strategies, including both sexual and asexual reproduction.