How does climate change influence mosquito populations?

Climate change significantly influences mosquito populations primarily by altering their habitats and reproductive patterns. As temperatures rise, many regions that were previously too cold for certain mosquito species become more hospitable. Warmer temperatures can facilitate more rapid development cycles for mosquitoes, allowing them to reproduce more frequently and expand their populations.

Furthermore, climate change affects the availability of standing water, which is crucial for mosquito breeding. Increased rainfall or altered precipitation patterns can create more breeding sites, while higher temperatures can lead to longer breeding seasons. This overall expansion of suitable habitats means that mosquitoes can thrive in new areas and during times of the year when they previously could not.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the current understanding of climate change's effects on mosquito populations. Some may suggest that climate change has no effect, which overlooks the clear evidence of ecological shifts attributed to changing climate conditions. The notion that it decreases infestation rates is contrary to the observed trends showing increases in certain mosquito populations. Lastly, while insecticide resistance can be a concern, climate change primarily influences mosquito distribution and lifecycle rather than directly increasing their resilience to insecticides.