Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, commonly known as DDT, is a chemical compound developed as an insecticide. Examine the data (from 1959) displaying the percentage of DDT resistance in insect populations. What statement best explains the trend seen in the data in terms of evolution?
A The presence of DDT induced mutations in the insect populations. Mosquitoes that needed mutations survived and reproduced with greater success.The presence of DDT induced mutations in the insect populations. Mosquitoes that needed mutations survived and reproduced with greater success.
B DDT resistant mosquitoes existed in the population. The presence of DDT selected for mosquitoes that survived the application. Those resistant mosquitoes reproduced with more success.DDT resistant mosquitoes existed in the population. The presence of DDT selected for mosquitoes that survived the application. Those resistant mosquitoes reproduced with more success.
C DDT caused phenotypic changes to occur in populations of mosquitoes as the chemical alters the diet of the insects. Mosquitoes with altered diets were able to survive with greater success than non-resistant mosquitoes.DDT caused phenotypic changes to occur in populations of mosquitoes as the chemical alters the diet of the insects. Mosquitoes with altered diets were able to survive with greater success than non-resistant mosquitoes.
D DDT resistant mosquitoes were present in the population. Those mosquitoes were able to be tracked with more success than DDT susceptible mosquitoes, which were better camouflaged in the environment and more difficult to collect data on.
B DDT resistant mosquitoes existed in the population. The presence of DDT selected for mosquitoes that survived the application. Those resistant mosquitoes reproduced with more success.
This statement best explains the trend seen in the data in terms of evolution. Over time, the population of mosquitoes became more resistant to DDT due to natural selection favoring those with resistance. The resistant mosquitoes were able to survive the application of DDT and reproduce, passing on their resistance to future generations. This is an example of evolution in action, with the genetic makeup of the population changing over time in response to a selective pressure.