The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author B VENKAT

Question

The most likely reason for the development of resistance against pesticides in insect damaging a crop is

B VENKAT · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Natural Selection and Evolution
	**Related Topics**: Genetics, Inheritance, Pesticide Resistance
	**Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of genes, inheritance, and natural selection.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	Insects are damaging a crop.
	A pesticide is used against the insects.
	Some insects survive the pesticide application.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. **Initial Population**: The initial insect population has genetic variation. Some insects, by chance, possess genes that confer resistance to the pesticide, while others do not.
		Reasoning: Genetic variation naturally exists within populations.
	2. **Pesticide Application**: When the pesticide is applied, insects without the resistance genes die. The insects with the resistance genes survive and reproduce.
		Working: The pesticide acts as a selective pressure, favoring the survival of resistant insects.
		Key Point: The pesticide does not *cause* the resistance genes; it simply selects for insects that already have them.
	3. **Resistance Inheritance**: The surviving resistant insects pass on their resistance genes to their offspring. Over time, the proportion of resistant insects in the population increases.
		Result: The insect population becomes resistant to the pesticide.
		Verification: This aligns with the principles of natural selection and evolution.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: The pesticide causes mutations in the insects that make them resistant. 
	This is incorrect. While pesticides can sometimes cause mutations, the development of resistance is primarily driven by the selection of pre-existing resistance genes, not the creation of new mutations by the pesticide itself.
[B] ✓: Some insects have genes that make them resistant to the pesticide, and these genes are passed on to their offspring.
	This is the correct explanation. It accurately describes the process of natural selection leading to pesticide resistance.
[C] :x: The insects learn to avoid areas where the pesticide has been applied.
	This is incorrect. While insects can exhibit learned behaviors, pesticide resistance is a genetic trait, not a learned behavior.
[D] :x: The pesticide strengthens the insects' immune systems, making them resistant.
	This is incorrect. Pesticides generally target specific physiological processes in insects, not their immune systems.  The development of resistance is due to genetic factors, not a strengthened immune response.
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing the cause of resistance:  Thinking the pesticide *causes* the mutation, rather than selecting for pre-existing resistance genes.
			How to avoid: Remember that genetic variation exists before pesticide application.
		2. Attributing resistance to learned behavior or acquired immunity.
			How to avoid: Understand that resistance is a genetic trait passed down through generations.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. Think 'selection, not creation' - pesticides select for existing resistance genes.
		2. Remember the key role of inheritance - resistance genes are passed from parent to offspring.

B VENKAT · Answer

The pesticide causes mutations in the insects that make them resistant.

B VENKAT · Answer

The correct Option is "Some insects have genes that make them resistant to the pesticide, and these genes are passed on to their offspring."

B VENKAT · Answer

The insects learn to avoid areas where the pesticide has been applied.

B VENKAT · Answer

The pesticide strengthens the insects' immune systems, making them resistant.

NEET Botany MCQs

Select Chapter

Question Tags

NEET Subjects

Our Bots

Company