Question

Suppose the researchers want to use the data collected from their experiments on the competition between the non-native mosquito Aedes albopictusand the native mosquitoA. triseriatusto better control the population of thenon-native species. Suppose the researchers decide that the best way to control the population of the non-native species is to artificially increase the carrying capacity of the native species. To do this, they first need to calculate a new carrying capacity for the native species. The original data are shown in the table below.

Water obtained from tree holes	Water obtained from tires
Competition coefficients
α = 0.43	α = 0.84
β = 0.72	β = 0.25
Carrying capacities (no. individuals/100 ml of water)
K1 = 42.5	K1 = 33.4
K2 = 53.2	K2 = 44.7

Question 3.What other option might the researchers employ to control the non-native mosquito species? Explain the pros and cons of this alternative control method.

Answer 1

Researchers might employ sterile insect technique to control the non native mosquito species.

The advantages of this technique include,

• Cost effective
• Non polluting
• Control insect transmitted disease

The disadvantages include the following,

• Sterile male might face stiff competition for mates with normal males
• Takes much time for the effects to be seen