TED-Ed: The loathsome, lethal mosquito - Rose Eveleth

Mosquitoes are widely disliked pests due to their buzzing, biting, and disease transmission. They have existed for over a hundred million years, evolving alongside many species, including humans. Mosquitoes are adept at sucking blood, using saliva to numb the skin and proboscis to find blood vessels. Humans spend billions on repellents and pesticides to combat them. Mosquitoes transmit diseases like malaria and dengue, causing millions of deaths annually. While eradicating mosquitoes could reduce disease, it might disrupt ecosystems, as they serve as food for other species and pollinators. The impact of their removal is uncertain.

What unique ability do mosquitoes have that makes them effective at feeding on blood?

• They can fly silently.

• They can change colors.

• They have a numbing saliva.

• They can see in the dark.

Which of the following is NOT a method used to repel mosquitoes?

• Citronella candles

• Bug sprays

• Heavy-duty agricultural pesticides

• Ultrasonic sound waves

Which disease is NOT transmitted by mosquitoes?

• Tuberculosis

• West Nile virus

• Yellow fever

• Malaria

Why is it challenging to eradicate mosquitoes completely?

• They reproduce too quickly.

• They are too small to catch.

• They are a food source for other organisms.

• They are protected by law.

What is a potential risk of eliminating all mosquitoes?

• Loss of a pollinator

• More rainfall

• Increased plant growth

• Higher temperatures