That thing we do where we dump genetically modified mosquitoes into an area to make sterile mosquitoes and kill them off is awesome because the gene dies out after a few years. It’d essentially a temporary and mild extinction we can do. It’s amazing because we don’t even need to decide if it’s correct to kill off a species.
It’s also worth noting that this technique has been used primarily in urban areas with introduced species of mosquitoes. It would have different effects if done in wild ecosystems on native species.
Bees, wasps, ok, got it.
But mosquitoes? I’be yet to find a biologist that would advocate for preservation of mosquitos. Kill them with fire.
Ehem
That thing we do where we dump genetically modified mosquitoes into an area to make sterile mosquitoes and kill them off is awesome because the gene dies out after a few years. It’d essentially a temporary and mild extinction we can do. It’s amazing because we don’t even need to decide if it’s correct to kill off a species.
It’s also worth noting that this technique has been used primarily in urban areas with introduced species of mosquitoes. It would have different effects if done in wild ecosystems on native species.
Nah that’s just female mosquitoes. Male mosquitoes are pollinators. Unfortunately, male mosquitoes need female mosquitoes.
Aren’t they a major food source for other animals?
I would like to believe that say amphibians would adapt eating flies or other insects if mosquitoes are lacking.