The boll weevil is an insect that destroys crops in the southern United States.

Question

The boll weevil is an insect that destroys crops in the southern United States. Farmers use pesticides to kill these weevils. Over the past forty years, farmers have noticed that fewer and fewer weevils are killed by pesticides. Which of the following statements is a valid scientific explanation for this observation?

1. Individual weevils tried to breed with the strongest mates available. The strongest weevils were those that had been exposed to the least pesticides. These weevils were able to pass their strength on to their offspring. As a result, fewer and fewer weevils died from repeated pesticide exposure. 2.The weevils exhibited variation in their response to pesticides. Some of this variation was genetic. Weevils that could tolerate more pesticide had more offspring, which inherited the beneficial gene variants. Through this process, the proportion of pesticide resistant variants increased in the population and fewer and fewer weevils died from pesticide exposure. 3.The presence of the pesticide caused some weevils to develop genetic mutations enabling them to tolerate more pesticide. These mutations were inherited by their offspring, who developed additional beneficial mutations. Thus, pesticide sensitivity was gradually reduced, and fewer and fewer weevils died each year from pesticide exposure.

Explanation / Answer

Answer: 2

2.The Weevils exhibited variation in their response to pesticides. Some of this variation was genetic. Weevils that could tolerate more pesticide had more offspring, which inherited the beneficial gene variants. Through this process, the proportion of pesticide resistant variants increased in the population and fewer and fewer weevils died from pesticide exposure.

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