Multiple species extinction – would it be that bad?

I've been puzzling over what function mosquitoes play in the web of nature. I mean, obviously their main function is to bite my legs while I'm eating supper, as well as identifying the single square inch of my large skin not coated with Mosi-Guard and biting that area repeatedly at 3am before giving my ear a quick fly-by just in order to wake me up. But beyond that, does the mosquito really serve a function in nature's great system?

I suppose that there are a handful of species of birds that feast on mosquitoes at this time of year. But I'd be happy to put up with, say, 20 species of birds gone for all eternity if it meant no more blood-sucking Culicidae bothering me and millions of other people each year. I mean, if we're going to make species extinct, surely it could serve some greater good?

June 16, 2009 | Home

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6 Responses to “Multiple species extinction – would it be that bad?”

Sophie on June 16th, 2009 9:13 pm

On the other hand, if we got rid of 20 species of birds and bats, mozzies would have all the time they need to feast on you.
And by the way, do humans really serve a function in nature’s great system, if such a thing can be said to exist, or are they just taking a wild ride while the system supports them?
Disclaimer : I am allergic to mosquito bites but also aware that introducing or destroying species is a delicate affair that we usually blotch (rabbits, cane toads).

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Denise on June 17th, 2009 12:53 am

But I thought everyone knew: mosquitoes exist to teach us philosophy. Even good moments (summer) have their down sides (mosquitoes), whilst bad moments (winter) have their advantages (no mosquitoes). Or, every man is equal (mosquitoes don't distinguish between class, gender, bank account, education, or any other social distinction). Or, everything serves a purpose, often two (mosquitoes teach us philosophy AND feed birds). Or, a good light at night can help you target your objective.

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Graeme on June 17th, 2009 7:18 am

I propose we add wasps to the list as well, although to be honest they're not much of a problem in Madrid. Nor are mosquitoes, so maybe its the price you pay for living in the sub-tropical lowlands.

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Adam on June 17th, 2009 11:30 am

Your right Tom, sod the birds, DDT the world.

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Nick on June 17th, 2009 6:30 pm

I've often wondered about this one while they savage my ankles in the summer. I'd quite happily see both mosquitoes and wasps exterminated but I guess they must play a role somewhere along the line especially for birds. There's all kinds of conflicting theories going on about this issue here:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060728161642AAA9TEa

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Dr. Coldlove, or: Why I learned to stop worrying and love the aircon - thebadrash.com on June 18th, 2009 11:08 pm

[...] post is related to my last, partly because it deals with my unpopular suggestions for dealing with common problems and partly [...]

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