Florida releasing millions of genetically modified mosquitoes

The video discusses a plan to release 750 million genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys to reduce disease-carrying mosquito populations. The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District spends over $1 million annually to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads diseases like dengue and Zika. Oxitec, a biotech company, has engineered male mosquitoes to carry a lethal gene that prevents female offspring from surviving to adulthood. However, environmental groups warn of unforeseen outcomes, citing a previous Oxitec program in Brazil where some female offspring survived, potentially making the local population more resilient.

What is the primary goal of releasing genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys?

• To study mosquito behavior

• To promote tourism in the area

• To reduce the population of disease-carrying mosquitoes

• To increase the mosquito population

Which mosquito species is targeted by the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District?

• Aedes albopictus

• Aedes aegypti

• Culex

• Anopheles

What is the expected outcome of the genetic modification by Oxitec?

• To make mosquitoes larger

• To increase mosquito lifespan

• To make mosquitoes resistant to insecticides

• To produce female offspring that die before adulthood

What concern do environmental groups have about the mosquito release program?

• It will harm other insect species

• It will not affect mosquito populations

• It may lead to unforeseen ecological outcomes

• It will increase mosquito populations

What was a significant finding from the previous Oxitec program in Brazil?

• All female offspring died before adulthood

• Some female offspring survived and reproduced

• The mosquito population decreased significantly

• The mosquitoes became resistant to genetic modification