What does pest resistance refer to?

Pest resistance specifically refers to the phenomenon where certain populations of pests develop the capability to survive exposure to pesticides that would typically be lethal to them. This resistance can occur due to genetic variations within pest populations that allow some individuals to withstand the effects of these chemical agents. Over time, as pesticides are applied repeatedly, pests that are susceptible may die off, while those with resistance genes reproduce, leading to a population that is increasingly resistant to the pesticide.

In pest management, understanding and recognizing pest resistance is crucial, as it informs the development of strategies that avoid reliance on a single pest control method and encourages the use of integrated pest management practices. This helps ensure long-term efficacy of pest control measures and minimizes the impact of resistance development.

The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of pest resistance, as they either describe unrelated phenomena or misunderstand the implications of pest survival in the context of pest management.