What does the term "oviposition" refer to?

The term "oviposition" specifically refers to the action of depositing or laying eggs, particularly in the context of insects, including mosquitoes. This process is crucial for the continuation of the species as it involves the female mosquito finding an appropriate environment to lay her eggs, which can result in the hatching of new larvae. Understanding oviposition is significant in mosquito control, as it helps inform strategies to manage mosquito populations by targeting their breeding habitats.

The other options relate to different aspects of the life cycle or behavior of insects. For instance, mating is a necessary precursor to oviposition as it facilitates reproduction, while the development of an egg and the subsequent survival of larvae are stages that follow after oviposition has occurred. Therefore, recognizing oviposition as a key reproductive action highlights its importance in the life cycle of mosquitoes.