Why Does the World Need Mosquitoes?
WouterDuring the summer of 2010, Nature magazine asked scientists why does the world need mosquitoes? Mosquitoes are known to carry many diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and Zika. These diseases kill hundreds of thousands of people each year. They also have significant economic and humanitarian implications.
Mosquitoes aren’t just nuisances; they’re also key contributors to the ecosystem. They provide food for many animals. They also act as pollinators for flowering plants. Plants like orchids might suffer if they didn’t have pollinators.
There are more than 3,500 mosquito species. Some are harmless and don’t bite humans, while others can be harmful. Scientists must determine the role each plays in the ecosystem.
Some species of mosquitoes help animals survive, while others are harmful. Some species prefer to feed on other animals. Others, like mosquitofish, are specialized predators.
Mosquitoes can also spread diseases to people, livestock, and other animals. Malaria and dengue fever kill nearly one million people each year. The diseases are a major burden on health systems. Eliminating malaria would allow many more people to avoid disease.
Scientists have been working on a genetically modified (GM) mosquito that has a new gene that makes it resistant to the malaria parasite. It’s a more realistic approach than trying to rid the world of mosquitoes altogether.
Researchers are also studying whether mosquito saliva could be used to treat cardiovascular disease. If this method is successful, it would reduce the mosquito population’s ability to carry dengue.
