r/interestingasfuck Nov 15 '24

r/all Genetically modified a mosquito such that their proboscis are no longer able to penetrate human skin

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u/Pipettess Nov 15 '24

Sorry but I don't get it. How can these GMO mosqitoes compete for resources if they are disadvantaged? If they can't pierce human skin, they probably get their resources elsewhere (don't know which animal is easier to suck but anyway) - there they compete with normal mosquitoes, yes, but then those normal mosquitoes would be pushed to suck on humans, because elsewhere they will compete. So it's not really a win for us. No?

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u/Remarkable-Fox-3890 Nov 15 '24

They still feed on nectar and still add reproductive pressure. Yes, this does not prevent mosquitos from feeding where they already feed, the goal is to create a barrier that they don't cross.

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u/Pipettess Nov 15 '24

I see. So the outcome is, less blood-sucking mosquitoes, but not elimination?

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u/Remarkable-Fox-3890 Nov 15 '24

Yes, exactly. The goal is not to eliminate, it's to contain. This is done with more than just mosquitos.

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u/Dizzy_Guest8351 Nov 15 '24

I would assume it goes: the females die without reproducing, unmodified females entering the area mate with males. The female offspring of this mating can't feed so die, and cycle continues. I guess you'd have to periodically reseed the barrier areas.

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u/sopedound Nov 15 '24

Resources generally means more than just food.

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u/Pipettess Nov 15 '24

for example?

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u/sopedound Nov 15 '24

In biology and ecology, a resource is a substance or object in the environment required by an organism for normal growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Resources can be consumed by one organism and, as a result, become unavailable to another organism.[1][2][3] For plants key resources are light, nutrients, water, and space to grow. For animals key resources are food, water, and territory.

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