Which mechanism do pests commonly use to develop resistance to pesticides?

Pests commonly develop resistance to pesticides through genetic mutation and the selective survival of resistant individuals. In any population of pests, genetic variations exist, some of which may confer an ability to survive exposure to particular pesticides. When a pesticide is applied, those individuals that possess mutations allowing them to withstand the toxic effects of the chemical are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over generations, these resistant individuals increase in number, leading to a population that is more resistant to that pesticide.

This process is driven by natural selection, where the environmental pressure of pesticide application favors the survival of certain genetic traits. As a result, the frequency of resistance traits increases in the pest population, making future pest control efforts less effective. This highlights the importance of integrating resistance management strategies in pest control to mitigate the development of resistance.

The other mechanisms listed do not directly contribute to the development of resistance in the way genetic mutation and selective survival does. While reproduction through sexual selection can influence genetic diversity, it does not inherently lead to resistance. Aggressive behavior towards pesticides is not a recognized mechanism for resistance, nor is increased mobility to avoid contact with pesticides a factor in developing inherent resistance to the chemicals themselves.