Gambusia feeds on:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Mosquito larva
(1) Mosquito larva — Correct. Malaria, filariasis, dengue and chikungunya spread through mosquitoes, so the best way to control them is to control the vector (the insect that carries the germ) and its breeding places. Gambusia is a small fish that is put in ponds and other still water because it feeds on mosquito larvae. This is a form of biological control. It breaks the life cycle of the mosquito before the adult stage.
(2) Adult mosquito — Incorrect. The adult mosquito flies and rests away from the water. A fish cannot reach it. Adults are controlled with mosquito nets, wire mesh and insecticides.
(3) Filarial worm — Incorrect. The filarial worm (Wuchereria) lives inside the human lymphatic vessels and is not eaten by the fish.
(4) Tape worm — Incorrect. The tapeworm is a parasite in the intestine of a host. It is not found in ponds as food for fish.
NCERT Extract:
Common Diseases in Humans – …
