Question

how do the data in figure 1 help explain the frequency of mutations in the southeastern united states shown in figure 2?
a. the areas with the lowest use of ddt were those where bedbugs were most likely to develop pesticide resistance.
b. exposure to higher concentrations of ddt caused bedbugs to develop new mutations in order to provide resistance to pesticides.
c. as bedbugs were exposed to higher concentrations of ddt, they were less likely to have mutations and more likely to become resistant to pesticides.
d. exposure to higher concentrations of ddt increased the proportion of bedbugs that already had the mutations for pesticide resistance.

Explanation:

Mutations for pesticide - resistance are pre - existing in bedbug populations. Higher concentrations of DDT act as a selective pressure, killing non - resistant bedbugs and allowing those with resistance mutations to survive and reproduce, thus increasing the proportion of resistant bedbugs.

Answer:

D. Exposure to higher concentrations of DDT increased the proportion of bedbugs that already had the mutations for pesticide resistance.