DDT was once considered a "silver bullet" that would permanently eradicate insect pests. Instead, DDT is now largely ineffective against many insects. Which of the following possible actions would have had the best chance of preventing this evolution of DDT resistance?
A) All habitats should have received applications of DDT at about the same time.
B) The frequency of DDT application should have been higher.
C) The use of DDT should have been interspersed with the use of other pesticides that have a different mode of action.
D) DDT application should have been continual.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rotating the use of different pesticides with distinct modes of action can help prevent pests from developing resistance to any one type of pesticide, including DDT. This approach reduces the selective pressure for resistance to any single pesticide, thereby slowing the evolution of resistance.

DDT Was Once Considered a "Silver Bullet" That Would Permanently