What happens to mosquito eggs if they are laid out of water?

Mosquito eggs are specially adapted to survive in various environments, including periods of drought. When laid out of water, certain species' eggs can remain viable by entering a dormant state known as diapause. During this dormant phase, the eggs do not develop or hatch until they are submerged in water, which triggers the hatching process. This adaptation allows the eggs to survive until environmental conditions become favorable for the larvae's development, typically when there is sufficient water to support their growth.

This ability to remain dormant until flooded is crucial for the lifecycle of mosquitoes, allowing them to exploit temporary bodies of water that form seasonally or after rainfall. Hence, the correct answer highlights how mosquito eggs can endure periods of desiccation and remain viable until the right conditions are met.