Question

How does DDT resistance in mosquitoes exemplify the evolutionary importance of mutations?

पर्याय

• DDT directly causes mutations that confer resistance

• DDT resistance arises through selection of pre-existing mutants with resistance genes

• Resistance emerges without genetic change

• All mosquitoes develop resistance through the same mechanism

Answer 1

DDT resistance in mosquitoes demonstrates how mutations generate genetic variation that natural selection can act upon. Pre-existing mutant individuals carrying genes for DDT resistance survive pesticide exposure while susceptible individuals die. The surviving mutants then reproduce and accumulate in the population, shifting the genetic composition toward resistance—illustrating evolution by natural selection on mutation-generated variation.