What are the four stages of a mosquito's life cycle?

The correct choice outlines the four distinct stages of a mosquito's life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This establishes a clear understanding of the progression mosquitoes undergo from conception to maturity.

In the first stage, the egg is laid on or near water, where it will eventually hatch into larvae. The larval stage, often referred to as "wigglers," involves the mosquito feeding and growing. After a period of growth, the larvae transform into the pupal stage, or "tumblers," where they undergo significant transformation but do not feed. Finally, the adult mosquito emerges from the pupa, ready to mate and start the cycle anew. This life cycle is crucial for understanding mosquito behavior and control measures.

The other choices include stages that do not accurately reflect the biological development of mosquitoes. For instance, the mention of "nymph" in one option refers to the life stage seen in certain insects like mayflies or dragonflies, and "cocoon" is not a stage associated with mosquitoes at all. Therefore, the first choice accurately encapsulates the recognized stages in the life cycle of a mosquito, making it the correct answer.