2) A homeowner lives adjacent to some wetlands, which contain standing water for much of the year. During the summer months, the
mosquitoes in the area are excessive and pose a nuisance to the homeowner. The homeowner decides to spray an insecticide on
the lawn and adjacent wetlands to eradicate the mosquitoes. The homeowner notices that after the application of the insecticide,
the number of mosquitoes is significantly reduced.
The following year, the number of mosquitoes increases in frequency as the summer months arrive and the temperatures get
warmer. The homeowner once again applies the same insecticide to the yard and adjacent wetland areas. However, this time, the
homeowner does not notice a reduction in the mosquito population after applying the chemical.
Evaluate the scenario above and select ALL statement below that apply to this case study.
A)
B)
The insecticide no longer has a chemical that can kill any mosquitoes after
the first year.
The application of the insecticide caused directional selection in the
mosquito population
There were some mosquitoes with innate genetic resistance to the
insecticide before it was sprayed the first time.
C)
D)
Natural selection selects for a phenotype in a population that has an
advantage under certain environmental pressure.
E)
The application of the insecticide caused individual mosquitoes to mutate,
which made them resistance to the chemical.