Define "pesticide resistance."

"Pesticide resistance" refers to the phenomenon where a pest population develops the ability to survive an application of a pesticide that was previously effective against it. This occurs due to genetic variations within the pest population, where certain individuals possess traits that confer survival advantages when exposed to the specific chemical. Over time, as these resistant individuals reproduce, they create a new generation of pests that are less susceptible to the pesticide, making management of these pests more challenging.

The correct answer highlights a critical aspect of pest management, emphasizing the evolutionary response of pests to pesticides. Understanding this resistance is essential for developing effective pest control strategies and improving pest management practices. This knowledge helps in rotating different classes of pesticides, using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, and seeking alternatives to mitigate the proliferation of resistance in pest populations.