What are defect life cycles?

To anybody other than a software test engineer, the concept of a defect having a life cycle would seem strange. However, as a test professional, you understand that defects pass through various stages during a software development and testing process. You will convince the Microsoft interviewer that you have experience in this area and are qualified to do the job by answering this question. Since this is a technical question, keep your answer brief and to the point and anticipate a follow-up question that the interviewer will use to explore the topic in more detail.