Question

tricky ticks quiz
pesticide resistance in ticks is an example of biological evolution because ______.
individual ticks change their bodies in response to pesticides during their lifetime.
ticks learn to avoid pesticides and pass that behavior to their offspring.
pesticides cause all ticks to mutate in the same way so they can survive.
ticks with traits that allow them to survive pesticides are more likely to reproduce and pass those traits to the next generation.
possible points: 16.67

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option based on the concept of biological evolution (natural selection):

• Option 1: Individual ticks don't change their bodies during their lifetime to resist pesticides (this is not how evolution works; it's about inherited traits, not individual acclimation).
• Option 2: Ticks don't "learn" to avoid pesticides and pass behavior (evolution involves genetic traits, not learned behavior).
• Option 3: Pesticides don't cause all ticks to mutate the same way (mutations are random, and selection acts on existing variation).
• Option 4: Ticks with traits (like resistance) that help them survive pesticides are more likely to reproduce, passing those traits to offspring. This matches natural selection (evolution by differential reproductive success of individuals with favorable traits).

Answer:

ticks with traits that allow them to survive pesticides are more likely to reproduce and pass those traits to the next generation.