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Multiple Choice
When they were first sold, aerosol insecticides were highly effective in killing flies and mosquitoes. Now, several decades later, a much smaller proportion of these insects die when sprayed. The reason fewer insects die when they are sprayed is that __________.
A
mosquitoes that survive spraying develop an immunity to the insecticide
B
mosquitoes are deliberately adapting themselves to this human-made change in the environment
C
the original spraying has caused a permanent mutation, giving the insects genetic resistance to the spray
D
None of the listed responses is correct.
E
many mosquitoes today are descendants of mosquitoes with insecticide-resistant characteristics
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is a process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This is a key mechanism of evolution.
Recognize the role of genetic variation: Within a population, there is genetic variation among individuals. Some mosquitoes may naturally possess genetic traits that confer resistance to insecticides.
Consider the impact of insecticide use: When insecticides are used, mosquitoes with resistance traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing these traits to their offspring.
Analyze the population changes over time: Over several generations, the proportion of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes increases in the population, as they are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Conclude with the concept of adaptation: The current population of mosquitoes is largely composed of descendants of those that had resistance traits, demonstrating adaptation through natural selection.