The mosquito that breeds mostly in artificial collection of water

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, are known for breeding in artificial water collections found in and around human dwellings.
These breeding sites include man-made containers like discarded tires, flower pots, water storage vessels, and desert coolers.
This preference for artificial containers makes them a primary vector for diseases in urban and semi-urban areas.
Aedes mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting several viral diseases, including Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow fever, and Zika.

Option A: Anopheles mosquitoes prefer to breed in natural, clean, and unpolluted water bodies.
Option B: Culex mosquitoes thrive in stagnant, dirty, and polluted water.
Option D: Mansonoides mosquitoes have a very specific breeding requirement linked to aquatic vegetation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Breeding habits of different mosquito species as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Knowledge of mosquito breeding habits is essential for community health nurses to design and implement effective vector control programs.
Nurses play a crucial role in educating communities about source reduction, such as regularly emptying stagnant water from containers, to prevent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya.
In the Indian context, Aedes-borne diseases are a major public health concern, especially during and after the monsoon season, requiring heightened surveillance and community participation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is to link a specific mosquito species to its characteristic breeding habitat.
Focus on the key phrase in the stem: 'artificial collection of water'. This is the main clue.
Systematically recall or deduce the breeding preferences of each mosquito listed in the options.
Evaluate Option A (Anopheles): Associate it with clean, natural water and Malaria.
Evaluate Option B (Culex): Associate it with dirty, polluted water and Japanese Encephalitis/Filariasis.
Evaluate Option C (Aedes): Recall its association with man-made containers, urban settings, and Dengue/Chikungunya.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 87-89

Practise the full UPPSC 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.