What is a critical aspect of pesticide resistance in populations?

A critical aspect of pesticide resistance in populations is that it develops when chemical use selectively kills susceptible individuals. This concept is rooted in the principles of natural selection, where individuals that possess genetic traits allowing them to survive the effects of a pesticide will be more likely to reproduce and pass those traits on to their offspring. Over time, this process leads to a population where resistance becomes more common, as the susceptible individuals are reduced in number.

The development of resistance can occur with various types of pesticides, not just insecticides, making it a widespread issue across different categories of pest management. Therefore, understanding how selective pressure from pesticide applications can lead to resistance is essential for effective pest control strategies and for slowing down the resistance development in pest populations.