The most likely reason for the development of resistance against pesticides in insect damaging a crop is

Options

A. random mutations
B. genetic recombination
C. directed mutations
D. acquired heritable changes

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the most likely reason for the development of resistance against pesticides in insects that damage crops.

2. **Defining Pesticides**: Pesticides are substances used to kill pests, including insects that harm crops. They are essential for protecting agricultural produce.

3. **Recognizing the Problem**: Despite the application of pesticides, some insects continue to damage crops. This suggests that these insects have developed a resistance to the pesticides.

4. **Explaining Resistance**: Resistance in insects means that they have developed the ability to survive pesticide applications that would normally kill them.

5. **Identifying the Mechanism of Resistance**: The primary mechanism for the development of resistance is genetic mutation. Mutations are random changes in the genetic makeup of organisms that can lead to traits that help them survive in the presence of pesticides.

6. **Evaluating Other Options**:
- Genetic recombination is not a mechanism for developing resistance in this context, as it does not lead to immediate changes that confer survival advantages.
- Directed mutation is not a natural process that occurs in response to pesticides.
- Acquired traits are not heritable; thus, they do not pass from one generation to the next.

7. **Conclusion**: The most likely reason for the development of resistance against pesticides in insects is random mutation in their genetic makeup, which allows them to survive pesticide exposure.

**Final Answer**: The most likely reason for the development of resistance against pesticides in insects damaging crops is random mutation in their genetic makeup.

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