Without makeup / arlamont@msn.com / October 17, 2023

THE MOSQUITOES/MARIO N. ROMERO DE LA PEÑA

May I ask if annoying mosquitoes serve any worthy purpose in any ecosystem?

A. Don Mario, yes, mosquitoes serve a purpose in the ecosystem. They are an important food source for many animals and also play an important role in pollination.

Here are some of the specific ways mosquitoes serve a purpose in the ecosystem:

Food source for other animals: Mosquitoes are an important food source for many animals, including birds, bats, fish, frogs, and other insects. For example, bats eat millions of mosquitoes every night.

Pollinators: Some species of mosquitoes are pollinators, meaning they transfer pollen between plants. This is important for their reproduction.

Disease control: Mosquitoes can help control some insect populations. For example, mosquito larvae eat other insect larvae in ponds and swamps.

It is important to note that while mosquitoes serve a purpose in the ecosystem, they can also transmit diseases to humans and animals. It's important to take steps to protect yourself from bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

ORANGE VS. ORANGE JUICE

What is the advantage, if any, between a glass of orange juice and a whole orange?

A. One orange and one cup of orange juice have similar nutritional profiles, but there are some key differences. Orange juice is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid, but it also has more calories and sugar than an orange. One cup of orange juice (8 ounces) contains about 110 calories and 21 grams of sugar, while one orange contains about 60 calories and 12 grams of sugar.

Orange juice is also lower in fiber than an orange. One cup of orange juice contains no fiber, while one orange contains about 3 grams of fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help you feel full after eating.

In general, oranges and orange juice are nutritious foods, but oranges are a better choice if you are looking for fewer calories and more fiber. Orange juice is a good alternative if you're looking for a convenient way to get a boost of vitamin C and other nutrients.

It is also important to note that orange juice can be pasteurized or freshly squeezed. Pasteurized orange juice is heated to kill harmful bacteria, while freshly squeezed orange juice is not. Freshly squeezed orange juice may contain more nutrients than pasteurized orange juice, but it is also more likely to contain harmful bacteria. I changed my habit of drinking a glass of orange juice (from a container) in the morning for a fresh orange.

YOU

Is “vos” still used in Spanish-speaking countries, apart from Argentina?

A. Yes, and it is not limited to Argentina. “Vos” was the second person singular pronoun in medieval Spanish, but was replaced by “tú” in most Spanish-speaking countries. Today, “vos” is only used in some countries in Central and South America, such as Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay.