Pesticide Treadmill Activity: Conclusion Questions

After completing the Pesticide Treadmill Activity in class, please answer the following questions about the conclusion. Make sure you are using AP-level vocabulary and complete sentences.  Data Tables Links to an external site.

1. How does the amount of genetic variability in a population affect the population’s ability to adapt to environmental changes?  Explain. 
2. For flies to survive an immediate, lethal change in their environment, when do the genes conferring genetic resistance have to be present in the population’s gene pool?  How do these genes appear in the gene pool? 
3. What happens to the relative proportions of genetic types over time after spraying? 
4. How does smaller population size and slower rate of reproduction affect the predator population’s ability to survive the rapid environmental changes?  Of what significance is this to the "pesticide treadmill"? 
5. What factors operate to influence a farmer to participate in the pesticide treadmill? 
6. What environmental impacts result from the pesticide treadmill? 
7. How can humans break out of the pesticide treadmill?