Why Do Mosquitoes Exist?

Whether you are in a tropical region or somewhere in the north, you’re likely to get bitten by mosquitoes. They are tiny creatures that can cause great harm to humans, but their role in the ecosystem is very important.

These insects are part of the nematocerid fly family, and have been around for millions of years. They are found on all continents except Antarctica. They are a major source of biomass for many animals, including birds, frogs, bats, and fish. They also help clean up water. They serve as pollinators for flowers.

Although there are more than 3500 species of mosquitos, less than two per cent of them are known to carry diseases. The oldest known mosquito was found 79 million years ago.

Female mosquitoes lay eggs in water. The larvae eat organic matter in wetlands, and recycle nutrients back into the food chain. Some species of fish specialize in eating mosquito larvae.

As with all organisms, mosquitoes change naturally. They evolve without any particular reason. Some parasites survive by leeching off their hosts. Some pathogens are able to infect humans by spreading through the blood of a mosquito. Some people believe that the saliva of a mosquito may help fight cardiovascular disease in humans.

Some scientists argue that eliminating mosquitoes will not be beneficial to the world. They point to the fact that the species would continue, unless there was a drastic change in the environment.

Some people believe that mosquitoes are essential to the ecosystem. If the number of mosquitoes was reduced, the number of diseases that affect humans would decrease.