Question

question 7 1 pts insecticides are used to kill insects. however, insecticide resistant insects are being found. what is the mechanism for this new insect trait?
○ insecticides kill all the insects in a population, and a different species of resistant insects colonizes the available resources.
○ an insect with a random mutation is not killed by the insecticide and reproduces.
○ exposing insects to insecticides leads to mutations, which make the insects resistant.
○ human interference with natural processes leads to genetic drift, which results in resistant insects.

Explanation:

• Option 1: Insecticides don't kill all insects (some have resistance mutations), and it's not a new species colonizing. Eliminate.
• Option 2: Random mutations can create resistance. Resistant insects survive insecticides and reproduce, passing on the trait. This matches natural selection.
• Option 3: Insecticides don't cause mutations; mutations are random. Eliminate.
• Option 4: Genetic drift (random allele changes) isn't the main mechanism here. Natural selection (due to insecticide) is. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. An insect with a random mutation is not killed by the insecticide and reproduces.