DDT was once considered a "silver bullet" that would permanently eradicate insect pests. Instead, DDT is largely useless against many insects. Which of these would have prevented this evolution of DDT resistance in insect pests?
A) Larger doses of DDT should have been applied from the air, into water, and within the soil.
B) All habitats should have received applications of DDT at about the same time.
C) The frequency of DDT application should have been higher.
D) None of the insect pests would have genetic variations that resulted in DDT resistance.
E) DDT application should have been continual.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This answer is the only one that would truly prevent the evolution of DDT resistance in insect pests. Genetic variation and natural selection are inevitable and constant processes in all populations, making resistance to any pesticide or treatment a matter of when, not if. The other answer choices would likely only accelerate the process of resistance or have no effect at all.

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