What happens to pests that are genetically immune to pesticides?

Pests that are genetically immune to pesticides have a significant advantage when faced with chemical controls designed to eliminate them. Instead of succumbing to the effects of the pesticide, these pests survive, allowing them to continue living in the environment where the pesticide is applied. As these resistant pests reproduce, they pass on their genetic immunity to their offspring.

Over time, this leads to an increasing population of pests that are resistant to the pesticide in question, making it less effective and potentially leading to a cycle where stronger or more toxic pesticides are needed to manage the pest population. This phenomenon is part of the broader discussion on pesticide resistance and its implications for agricultural practices and pest management strategies.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of genetic resistance. Disappearing, requiring more food, or changing color are not typical outcomes for pests that possess resistance traits; instead, they adapt and thrive, perpetuating their survival despite pesticide use.