Question

farmers spray pesticides on their plants to protect the plants from being eaten by insects. some individual insects have a genetic mutation that makes them resistant to the toxins in the pesticides. which statement best describes how only a few resistant individuals resulted in the pesticide becoming ineffective? a the resistant insects change the toxin on the plants, making it safe for others. b the resistant insects grow larger and eat less of the plants. c the resistant insects eat the contaminated surface and leave the rest for others. d the resistant insects are able to survive to reproduce and create a population that is also resistant.

Explanation:

This question is about the concept of natural selection and pesticide resistance in insects. When farmers spray pesticides, some insects have a genetic mutation that makes them resistant. These resistant insects can survive and reproduce. Option A is incorrect because resistant insects don't change the toxin. Option B is wrong as growth and eating less are not the key factors here. Option C is incorrect as contamination is not relevant. Option D is correct as it follows the principle of natural selection where resistant individuals survive, reproduce, and pass on the resistance trait, making the pesticide ineffective over time.

Answer:

D. The resistant insects are able to survive to reproduce and create a population that is also resistant.