Could Mosquitoes Bring Disease to Galapagos Reptiles?

Biologists have discovered that mosquitoes on the Galapagos have evolved to pierce the skin of reptiles, including iguanas and endangered tortoises. The mosquitoes daily reptilian snack brings a threat of transferring vector-borne disease to the animals. Leaving scientists to ask the question: how can we keep the Galapagos as pristine as when Darwin first found them? Evolutionary biologist Simon J. Goodman joins The Takeaway with more.

Goodman is co-author of the research article, “Natural colonization and adaptation of a mosquito species in Galapagos and its implications for disease threats to endemic wildlife,” which was published in this week’s issue of the journal the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.