Hobbies And Interests
Two Strains
According to researcher George Christophides of Imperial College London, two physically identical but genetically different strains of a mosquito responsible for transmitting malaria seem to be evolving into two distinct species. This evolution is proceeding quickly and significant genetic differences are already noticeable. "We know that the best way to reduce the number of people who contract malaria is to control the mosquitoes that carry the disease," Christophides said. "Our studies help us to understand the makeup of the mosquitoes that transmit malaria, so that we can find new ways of preventing them from infecting people." The ongoing evolution of this mosquito strain is of great concern, because according to the World Health Organization, malaria kills two children every minute globally.
Reptile Blood
Scientists from the University of Leeds, the Zoological Society of London, the University of Guayaquil and the Galapagos National Park have found that the black salt marsh mosquito on the Galapagos Islands has evolved to feed on the blood of reptiles. These mosquitoes are mainly targeting the marine iguanas and giant tortoises. Scientists are concerned that if tourists introduce a new mosquito-carried disease, it could destroy the unique Galapagos reptiles. Researchers have discovered that these mosquitoes colonized the Galapagos Islands about 200,000 years ago and have changed their diet because few mammal species exist there.
Underground Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes in London's underground railway system have evolved into a separate species. According to researchers Kate Byrne and Richard Nichols, these underground mosquitoes are unable to mate with above-ground mosquitoes; this shows that the population in the railway tubes has evolved into a separate type of mosquito.
Ongoing Evolution
The BBC reports that French scientist Michelle Riehle at the Pasteur Institute in Paris has identified a new species of mosquito in Africa. This new mosquito is highly susceptible to malaria, which means it is likely to carry the disease and infect people through its bite. The mosquito belongs to a subgroup of the species that is responsible for the majority of malaria cases in Africa. Riehle reports that this new subgroup may be a recent development in mosquito evolution and strongly recommends further investigation in order to implement the correct malaria control. This is important because malaria is currently killing an unacceptable number of people annually.