Suppose a Farmer Plants Some Crops but a Pest Attacks

Multiple Choice

Suppose a farmer plants some crops but a pest attacks the crops and the farmer suffers economically. The pest has been a problem in recent years and farmers in the area have been applying a pesticide to control this particular pest. The next planting season he uses a stronger pesticide. There is a river near the farms and the river has tested positive for the presence of this pesticide. It is also known to kill beneficial soil organisms. Farmers are required to monitor the water and provide financial help to clean the river. The stronger pesticide is very costly. Scientists have warned that overuse of the pesticide will lead to the need of an even stronger pesticide. Which of the following should be the main evolutionary concern in this situation?

A) How large the crop yield will be
B) The environmental and financial costs associated with the use of the pesticide
C) If the crop pest will become resistant to the pesticide and continue to damage the crop
D) How many jobs will be created due to use of this pesticide
E) If the pesticide will kill the pest; economics outweigh concerns about the water or human health