Step 1: Solve for \( \cos^2 x \).
From the given equation \( \sin x + \sin^2 x = 1 \), rearrange the terms:
\[
\sin^2 x = 1 - \sin x
\]
Since \( \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1 \), we substitute \( \sin^2 x = 1 - \sin x \) to find \( \cos^2 x \).
Step 2: Simplify the given expression.
The expression \( \cos^8 x + 2 \cos^6 x + \cos^4 x \) simplifies to 1 after evaluating.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the value of \( \cos^8 x + 2 \cos^6 x + \cos^4 x \) is \( 1 \).