TASK 1:
Question: The diagram below shows the life cycle of the female mosquito.
ANSWER:
The diagram illustrates the life cycle of a female mosquito, showing how it develops from eggs into a fully grown adult. Overall, the process involves seven distinct stages and lasts approximately six to eight weeks, beginning with egg-laying in water and ending with the emergence of an adult mosquito.
In the first stage, the female mosquito lays eggs on the surface of water, where they remain during the initial week. These eggs subsequently hatch, giving rise to larvae and marking the beginning of the aquatic development phase. From week two to week five, the mosquito progresses through four separate larval stages. During this period, the larvae undergo continuous growth, becoming longer and more developed with each stage. This phase is characterised by gradual physical changes rather than sudden transformation, as the larvae feed and increase in size while remaining in water.
After completing the fourth larval stage, the mosquito enters the pupal stage in week six. Unlike the earlier stages, the pupa does not feed and remains relatively inactive. However, this stage is crucial, as major internal changes take place in preparation for adulthood. In the final phase, which occurs between weeks seven and eight, an adult female mosquito emerges from the pupa. At this point, the insect becomes fully developed and capable of reproduction, allowing the life cycle to repeat. (221 words)
