Posted on 06/02/2009 6:21:52 AM PDT by steve-b
The Galapagos giant tortoise and other iconic wildlife are facing a new threat from disease, as some of the islands' mosquitoes develop a taste for reptile blood.
Scientists from the University of Leeds, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the Galapagos National Park have discovered that while its mainland ancestors prefer the blood of mammals and the occasional bird, the Galapagos form of the black salt marsh mosquito (Aedes taeniorhynchus) has shifted its behaviour to feed mainly on reptiles – primarily Galapagos giant tortoises and marine iguanas.
The findings raise fears that these changes could devastate the islands' unique native wildlife if a new mosquito-borne disease is introduced - a scenario which is increasingly likely with the continuing rise in tourism.
Using genetic techniques, the researchers showed that the mosquito colonised the Galapagos around 200,000 years ago and was not introduced by humans as previously thought, giving them time to adapt to conditions in Galapagos. They have also found that unlike the mainland populations that normally live in mangroves and salt marshes along the coast, the Galapagos form of the mosquito can also breed up to 20 km inland and at altitudes of up to 700 metres. The research team believe the shift in feeding behaviour is an adaptation to life in Galapagos, since the islands had few mammal species prior to the arrival of Man some 500 years ago....
(Excerpt) Read more at sciencedaily.com ...
“That is until the turtles mutate. Then the mosquitoes won’t stand a chance...”
You got that right!
Thanks for the laugh!
“facing a new threat” [...] “islands’ mosquitoes develop a taste for reptile blood”
Outright lie. There’s nothing “new” at all!. Outright lie, trying to make it seem like they’re “witnessing evolution”.
No christian would mock the Bible & comment as if “these dumb Christians believe there’s a Devil”. You just let your real beliefs slip out.
Except I didn’t say that.. you shouldn’t go bearing false witness.
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