What role does genetic diversity play in pest resistance development?

Genetic diversity is vital in the development of pest resistance because it significantly influences the resilience and adaptability of pest populations. When a pest population has high genetic diversity, there are more variations in traits among individuals. This variability means that some individuals may possess natural resistance to certain pesticides or environmental pressures. Consequently, as these resistant individuals survive and reproduce, they pass their resistant traits to the next generation, leading to an overall increase in the frequency of resistance in the population.

Choosing an option that states genetic diversity increases the likelihood of developing resistance accurately reflects this biological principle. Specifically, the ongoing exposure of diverse pest populations to pesticides can select for those individuals that can withstand chemical treatment, effectively driving the evolution of resistance over time. Therefore, recognizing that genetic diversity can facilitate the emergence of resistant strains is crucial for managing pest populations and devising effective control measures.