Question

There is evidence that increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere may increase Earth's surface temperature. How might this affect the spread of mosquitoes and malaria? (Select all that apply.)1. Warmer temperatures will kill off mosquitoes, thereby decreasing malaria cases.2. Warmer temperatures may increase the habitat range of mosquitoes.3. Warmer temperatures will have no affect on mosquitoes or the incidence of malaria.4. Warmer temperatures may result in malaria cases in new regions.

Answer 1

2. Warmer temperatures may increase the habitat range of mosquitoes.

4. Warmer temperatures may result in malaria cases in new regions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium and is transmitted by the bite of infected female anopheles mosquitoes. Both the pathogen Plasmodium and the vector female anopheles mosquitoes thrive best in warm climatic conditions.

The warm and humid climatic conditions provide optimum growth conditions for the mosquito population which in turn can infect more number of people. Increased CO2 level resulting in warmer temperatures would allow the mosquitoes to inhabit the new habitats such as those at higher altitudes.

The mosquito population does not thrive at higher altitudes due to lower temperatures. Presence of pathogen and vector population in new regions would allow the disease to spread in those regions.