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The ability of a pest to resist or avoid poisoning from a pesticide even when it has been properly applied is called:

a. Efficacy
b. Pesticide resistance
c. Dormancy
d. Antagonism

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The ability of a pest to resist a pesticide is known as pesticide resistance, which is an example of microevolution where resistant pests pass on their resistant traits to offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ability of a pest to resist or avoid poisoning from a pesticide even when it has been properly applied is called pesticide resistance. Pesticides sometimes stop working because pests can develop resistance to them, which is a form of microevolution. Resistant pests survive and pass on their genes, diminishing the effectiveness of the pesticides. Overuse and reliance on these chemicals can escalate this problem. This resistance is problematic because it can lead to an increase in the use of chemicals, which may cause harm to the environment and non-target species.

Pesticide resistance in pests is a clear example of microevolution. This occurs when selective pressures, such as the use of pesticides, favor pests that possess genetic variations making them less susceptible to the chemicals. These resistant pests then reproduce and result in a population that is more resistant to the pesticide that was previously effective.

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