There are three types of life cycles found in organisms: haplontic life cycle, diplontic life cycle, and haplodiplontic life cycle.

**1. Haplontic Life Cycle:**
In this type of life cycle, the organism spends the majority of its life cycle in the haploid phase. The haploid phase is the dominant phase, meaning that the organism exists mainly as a haploid individual. This type of life cycle is commonly found in lower plants, such as algae, and most fungi.

- **Haploid Phase:** In the haplontic life cycle, the organism starts as a haploid individual, which means it has only one set of chromosomes. This haploid individual grows and undergoes mitosis, resulting in the production of gametes (reproductive cells).
- **Gametes:** The gametes produced by the haploid individual are typically different in size, with one being larger and considered the female gamete, while the smaller one is the male gamete.
- **Fertilization:** The male and female gametes fuse during fertilization, forming a zygote, which is diploid (contains two sets of chromosomes).
- **Diploid Phase:** The zygote then undergoes mitosis and develops into a diploid individual. However, this diploid phase is short-lived, and the organism quickly undergoes meiosis to produce haploid spores, which can then develop into new haploid individuals.

**2. Diplontic Life Cycle:**
In the diplontic life cycle, the organism spends the majority of its life cycle in the diploid phase. The diploid phase is the dominant phase, meaning that the organism exists mainly as a diploid individual. This type of life cycle is found in most animals, including humans, as well as some algae and fungi.

- **Diploid Phase:** The diplontic life cycle begins with a diploid individual, which has two sets of chromosomes. This diploid individual grows and develops through mitosis and eventually produces gametes (reproductive cells).
- **Gametes:** The gametes produced by the diploid individual are haploid and are typically different in size, with one being the male gamete and the other being the female gamete.
- **Fertilization:** During sexual reproduction, the male and female gametes fuse during fertilization, forming a zygote.
- **Zygote Development:** The zygote then undergoes mitosis and develops into a diploid individual, continuing the cycle.

**3. Haplodiplontic Life Cycle:**
The haplodiplontic life cycle, also known as alternation of generations, involves both haploid and diploid phases in the life cycle. This type of life cycle is found in many plants, including mosses, ferns, and flowering plants.

- **Haploid Phase (Gametophyte):** The haplodiplontic life cycle begins with a haploid individual called the gametophyte. The gametophyte produces haploid gametes through mitosis.
- **Gametes:** The gametes fuse during fertilization, forming a diploid zygote.
- **Diploid Phase (Sporophyte):** The zygote develops into a diploid individual called the sporophyte. The sporophyte produces haploid spores through meiosis.
- **Spore Development:** The