A farmer repeatedly applies a broad-spectrum insecticide to control one crop pest. After several seasons, the target insect becomes harder to control, natural predators are less abundant, and previously minor pest species begin causing significant crop damage. Pesticide residues are also detected in nearby surface water. Which explanation best accounts for this combination of observations?

Question

Answer

Pesticides always increase predator populations and therefore cause pests to become more abundant.

Answer

Resistance occurs because pesticides permanently alter the soil into a nutrient-rich environment.

Answer

Surface-water contamination proves that the pesticide was applied directly to the water.

Answer

Repeated pesticide exposure can select for resistant pests, broad-spectrum insecticides can kill natural enemies, and pesticides that miss their targets can move into surrounding environmental compartments.

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A farmer repeatedly applies a broad-spectrum insecticide to control one crop pes...

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