Are Mosquitoes Good For the Planet?
Whether mosquitoes are good for the planet or not is still up for debate. Some say they are harmful while others say they are a major component of the ecosystem. Some say that the world would be a better place if they were eliminated. But is it possible?
One scientist, Janet Fang, wrote an article in the July 2010 issue of Nature magazine. She asked scientists around the world about the role of mosquitoes in the world.
They have been around for over 100 million years. They are useful for many things, from preventing mosquitoes from spreading diseases to facilitating pollination of plants. They also play a role in the evolution of some defense mechanisms. They are also food for some animals, such as birds and fish. They can carry parasites and viruses.
They can be a pain, especially when it comes to summer vacations. They bite and leave skin raw. They can be itchy and they can even spread disease. They can be a nuisance for humans, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. They can be found in every continent, besides Antarctica. They can also be very helpful in certain ecosystems.
While there is a lot of research and debate about the importance of mosquitoes in the environment, it seems clear that they do play a useful role. They are important in helping maintain the health of forests and other natural areas. They also help provide food for plants and insects.