Final answer:
The duration a pesticide remains effective in the environment is termed 'persistence.' Pesticides known for their persistence, such as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), can bioaccumulate and remain toxic over time, impacting ecosystems and food chains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The length of time a pesticide remains effective in the environment is known as persistence. This refers to the chemical's stability and its capacity to remain in the ecosystem without breaking down, which can lead to long-term environmental impacts. Pesticides with high resistance are those that pests have evolved to tolerate, rendering the pesticide less effective. However, the term persistence specifically refers to the chemical's longevity and potential for accumulation in the environment.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a type of pesticide known for their persistence; they can remain in the environment for extended periods and bioaccumulate in organisms. These POPs are often toxic and can move up the food chain, increasing their concentration through bioaccumulation. Due to their long-lasting nature in the environment, non-persistent pesticides are recommended to minimize ecological disruption.