Why do female mosquitoes feed on blood?

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Female mosquitoes feed on blood primarily to facilitate egg production. Blood provides essential nutrients, such as proteins and iron, which are critical for the development of their eggs. During the process of reproduction, female mosquitoes require these nutrients to support the maturation of their eggs within their ovaries. Without sufficient blood meals, the females would lack the necessary resources to produce and lay viable eggs, thus affecting their reproductive success and population sustainability.

The other options, such as maintaining body temperature, enhancing flight capabilities, and improving digestion, do not accurately capture the primary reason female mosquitoes seek out blood. While feeding may have secondary effects on overall health, the direct link between blood feeding and egg production is what makes this behavior critical to the life cycle of female mosquitoes.

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