Do Mosquitoes Have a Purpose?
WouterAmong the thousands of species of mosquitos, only about a dozen carry germs that may cause illness to humans. They also are a tasty treat for many animals, including frogs and birds.
Some people argue that eliminating mosquitoes is a bad idea. The extinction of the mozzies would have a big impact on a number of ecosystems. However, biologists are still debating just how much damage a single mass extinction would cause.
The National Wildlife Foundation says that there are more than 3,500 species of mosquitos. Most of them don’t bite, but they do play an important role in the ecosystem.
The most obvious way for mozzies to help the ecosystem is by carrying pollen. The female mozzies can even lay eggs. They are part of an ecological hierarchy and help to control the balance of the food chain.
Another interesting fact about the mosquito is that it is a major food source for fishes. Its larvae feed on organic detritus and microorganisms. They produce nutrients for plants and can even be found in pitchers of a carnivorous plant.
Mosquitoes are also an important pollinator. They can carry pollen from one flower to another. They can also carry viruses, such as Zika and West Nile Virus. Fortunately, most of these viruses are not serious, but the spread of them is a problem.
Other insects, such as bats and frogs, eat adult mosquitoes and their larvae. This makes them a key component of the ecosystem.
