What role do carbon dioxide emissions play in attracting mosquitoes?

Carbon dioxide emissions play a significant role in attracting mosquitoes to their hosts, which is why this choice is correct. Mosquitoes have evolved to detect carbon dioxide as a key factor in identifying potential hosts. The gas is a byproduct of respiration in many animals, including humans, making it an important signal for mosquitoes when they are searching for a blood meal.

When a host exhales carbon dioxide, it creates a gradient in the air that mosquitoes can sense from a distance. This ability to locate carbon dioxide helps mosquitoes find their food source, ensuring their survival and reproduction. The concentration of carbon dioxide increases as one gets closer to a host, guiding the mosquito towards its target.

The other answer options highlight different interactions with mosquitoes. For instance, while carbon dioxide does not repel mosquitoes or confuse them, it is essential in their attraction. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing methods to manage mosquito populations and reduce the incidence of diseases they may transmit.