Page 49 - The Miracle in the Mosquito

Phases of Development

tle sacs are connected to capillary lines running along the body,
which carry the air to all body parts. Between the sacs is a heart,
which is appropriate for the needs of the mosquito. The heart
pumps the sacs with regular beats and enables air to be distributed
throughout the body.
After the heart come the stomach and the intestines. The
heart, stomach and intestines also have to be perfect in shape.
Along with the respiratory system, these organs are essential for
the mosquito to survive. The mosquito has to exist as an integral
whole; it is not possible for the features it possesses to be acquired
over a period of time.
Moreover, these features show variety in each species of mos-
quito. For example, the larva of the Mansonia variety does not
come up to the surface to breathe. Instead it uses a clever but
somewhat difficult method.

Larva that breathes without coming up to the

surface of the water
Oxygen found in water is dissolved in the water and utilised
by all the creatures living in it, both fauna and flora. This oxygen
accumulates in the roots and tissues of plants. The larvae of the
mosquito Mansonia make use of this oxygen “packaged” in plants.
The larva has a saw-like organ for boring into the roots and tissue
of plants to draw out their oxygen content. By means of this it can
comfortably meet its oxygen requirements and remain perma-
nently below water.
Here, again, there is obvious evidence of a design. The struc-
ture of the Mansonia larva, which does not come up to the surface
of the water, contains everything that is required for piercing the
roots and extracting the air they contain.
What is more, the larva is aware of why it has been given this
“tool” as part of its body. But the larva’s knowledge is not just con-

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