What does resistance in pest populations refer to?

Resistance in pest populations specifically refers to the ability of pests to survive pesticide exposure. This phenomenon occurs when pests develop genetic traits that enable them to withstand the effects of chemicals designed to eliminate them. Over time, with repeated exposure to a pesticide, individuals that possess these resistance traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to a larger portion of the population exhibiting resistance.

This ability to survive not only impacts pest control efforts but also influences pest management strategies. The development of resistance can result in the need for stronger or alternative pest control measures, which can increase costs and complexity in managing pest populations effectively.

The other options touch on aspects of pest behavior and biology but do not directly relate to the concept of resistance. Quick reproduction and preference for food sources may influence population dynamics but do not indicate the ability to survive pesticide exposure. Migration capacity plays a role in pest spread but does not pertain to resistance to pesticides specifically.