How mosquitoes — and malaria — helped shaped the whereabouts of early humankind

A female Anopheles quadrimaculatus mosquito takes a blood meal from a host. For millennia, this mosquito has spread malaria. Researchers now think that these mosquitoes — and the disease they carry — played a critical role in determining where ancient humans settled and whether they thrived or failed to thrive.

A new study looks at an unexpected force that helped played a critical role in shaping the lives of ancient humans.

(Image credit: Smith Collection/Gado)