In a significant discovery, mosquitoes have been detected in Iceland for the first time. This event is closely linked to the ongoing changes in our global climate. The first mosquito was spotted by an Icelandic insect enthusiast, who noticed a “strange fly” and shared his finding online. Following this, scientists confirmed the presence of three mosquitoes in the country.

The identified species is Culiseta annulata, a type of mosquito known for its tolerance to colder climates. It is commonly found across Europe, including the UK, and has also established itself in parts of North America. This mosquito often lays its eggs in artificial containers like rain barrels or discarded tires, which helps it spread to new areas.

What makes this discovery particularly significant is that Iceland was previously one of the few places in the world, alongside Antarctica, without mosquitoes. The country’s cold climate and specific ecological conditions, especially the absence of the warm, stagnant (不流动的) water needed for breeding, had kept them away. However, this is changing. Iceland is warming at an alarming rate, much faster than the global average, creating conditions that can now support these insects.

The arrival of mosquitoes is more than just a nuisance; it is a public health concern. Mosquitoes are well-known carriers of various diseases. As global temperatures rise, these insects can expand their range and breed more efficiently, increasing the risk of transmitting illnesses. Warmer weather accelerates the development of mosquitoes and the pathogens (病原体) they carry, while higher humidity and increased rainfall create more breeding habitats. 

Experts describe climate change as a “perfect storm” for the spread of mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. It affects nearly every part of their life cycle, from breeding to biting rates. This discovery in Iceland was made possible by a “citizen scientist”, highlighting how public involvement is crucial in tracking environmental changes. Scientists encourage people to use special apps to report mosquito sightings, helping to monitor their spread in a warming world.

1.1. What is the main significance of the mosquito discovery in Iceland?

A It was made by a citizen scientist.

B It reflects global climate impacts.

C It confirms a new species in Europe.

D It highlights insect enthusiast efforts.

解析：选B。B推理判断题。根据第一段的“This event is closely linked to the ongoing changes in our global climate”可知，蚊子首次在冰岛被发现与全球气候持续性变化密切相关，表明其重要性在于反映气候影响。故选B。

2.2. Why is Culiseta annulata able to colonize new regions?

A It has strong adaptability to warmer climates.

B It relies on natural water bodies for breeding.

C It benefits from human-related environments.

D It has a faster reproductive rate than other species.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据第二段的“This mosquito often lays its eggs in artificial containers like rain barrels or discarded tires, which helps it spread to new areas”可知，该蚊子在“人工容器”（如雨水桶、废弃轮胎）中产卵，而这些容器是人类活动的产物，由此可推理其扩散依赖“与人类相关的环境”。故选C。

3.3. What can we infer about Iceland before the discovery of mosquitoes?

A It had warm stagnant water.

B Its climate was not suitable for mosquitoes.

C It had many mosquito species.

D It was as warm as North America.

解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第三段的“Iceland was previously one of the few places in the world… without mosquitoes. The country’s cold climate and specific ecological conditions… had kept them away”可知，冰岛过去因气候寒冷等条件没有蚊子，可推理出“其气候不适合蚊子生存”。故选B。

4.4. What do experts think of the role of citizen scientists?

A Meaningless.

B Hazardous.

C Tiresome.

D Beneficial.

解析：选D。D 推理判断题。根据最后一段的“This discovery in Iceland was made possible by a ‘citizen scientist,’ highlighting how public involvement is crucial”可知，公民科学家促成了冰岛蚊子的发现，且公众参与“至关重要”，可推理出专家认为公民科学家的作用是“有帮助的”。故选D。