What might result from overuse of pesticides in a given area?

The overuse of pesticides in a given area can lead to increased pest resistance. When pesticides are applied repeatedly, pests that may have a natural resistance to the chemicals can survive and reproduce, leading to a population that is more resistant to those pesticides over time. This phenomenon occurs due to the selective pressure that the pesticides impose on the pest population. As the more susceptible individuals are eliminated, the resistant ones thrive, thereby making future pest control efforts less effective.

This increase in pest resistance often necessitates the use of higher doses of existing pesticides or the development of new ones, which can further exacerbate the environmental and economic issues associated with pesticide use. In contrast, overreliance on pesticides does not lead to more effective pest control, improved biodiversity, or less environmental contamination, as these outcomes are typically associated with integrated pest management practices that include a variety of control methods rather than excessive chemical application.