Why Is Mosquitoes Helpful?
WouterDespite the fact that mosquitoes are not always the most beneficial animals in the world, they play an important role in many ecosystems. If they were to suddenly vanish, there could be huge consequences for the environment. There are many mosquito species that aren’t problematic, and some countries have even relied on mosquitoes as a major food source.
Mosquitoes are known for their ability to carry diseases. Some experts claim that mosquitoes are a greater threat to human health than any other organism on Earth. Although there are only a few species that can actually kill humans, others are a threat to both humans and wildlife. They also pollinate plants and spread diseases.
There are two basic types of mosquitoes: aquatic and terrestrial. The aquatic species live in shallow pools of water. They feed on microscopic organic matter in the water.
The aquatic species also filter the water, allowing the water to provide nutrients to surrounding plants. Their larvae feed on algae, microbes and other small organisms. Their larvae make up a large portion of the aquatic ecosystem, and they serve as a food source for many predators.
Some species are even capable of carrying viruses, which could be deadly to humans. Mosquitoes are known to carry malaria, a disease that kills nearly one million people worldwide every year.
One study claims that mosquitoes are responsible for 52 billion deaths worldwide over the past century. Many people want to get rid of mosquitoes. However, scientists say that if the species was to suddenly vanish, there could be a cascade of consequences for the ecosystem.
