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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains why the percentage of mosquitoes resistant to DDT increased rapidly after the pesticide was introduced?
A
Mosquitoes with genetic mutations that conferred resistance to DDT survived and reproduced, passing the resistance to their offspring.
B
All mosquitoes developed resistance to DDT through exposure during their lifetime.
C
Mosquitoes avoided areas treated with DDT, so only non-resistant mosquitoes were affected.
D
DDT caused mosquitoes to mutate and become resistant immediately after contact.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of natural selection. Natural selection is a process where individuals with traits that provide a survival advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits to their offspring.
Step 2: Analyze the scenario. In this case, mosquitoes with genetic mutations that conferred resistance to DDT were able to survive exposure to the pesticide, while non-resistant mosquitoes were eliminated.
Step 3: Recognize the role of genetic mutations. Genetic mutations occur naturally and randomly in populations. These mutations can sometimes provide resistance to environmental pressures, such as pesticides.
Step 4: Consider the process of reproduction. Resistant mosquitoes that survived exposure to DDT reproduced, passing the resistance trait to their offspring, leading to an increase in the percentage of resistant mosquitoes over time.
Step 5: Eliminate incorrect explanations. Exposure to DDT does not cause immediate mutations or resistance in mosquitoes. Resistance arises from pre-existing genetic mutations, not from avoidance behavior or direct contact with the pesticide.