Page 50 - The Miracle in the Mosquito

THE MIRACLE IN THE MOSQUITO

fined to this. The larva also knows somehow that it needs oxygen
and that the oxygen is to be found in the roots of plants. Naturally,
the fact that a larva only 1.5 mm (0.5 inch) in length, that has only
just come into the world, has all this knowledge cannot be ex-
plained away by claiming that it is coincidence.

Close enemy
It would not be accurate to describe all mosquito larvae as
calm creatures that swim around in the water minding their own
business making do with bacteria for food. Larvae of some species
are somewhat predatory. Feeding continuously at this stage, they
may eat one another when they are unable to find food. For this
reason, the best kind of water for the larva’s welfare is not clean
water but dirty water full of bacteria. When in clean water, only a
few larvae may survive out of the hatchlings from the raft-like
group of eggs.
However, the mother mosquito is perfectly aware of this and
is more likely to lay her eggs in dirty water, where approximately
100 larvae will emerge safe and sound from the egg-raft.
It is worth pointing out at this stage that the mother’s actions
are also based on a conscious decision. When a mosquito comes
across two sources of water, one of which is clean and the other
dirty, her decision leans towards the dirty water.
Now, does the mosquito take these measures to ensure sur-
vival of the species based on thought or observation? Of course
there is no question of the mosquito gaining experience on the ba-
sis of which it makes decisions and passing on this experience to
future generations.

How to deal with a current
In places where there is a current, in order to survive, the
growing larvae have to find something to hold on to. They easily

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