Genetic resistance affected by the following:

• • Environmental factors (e.g. pesticides, antibiotics, and vaccines)

  • Evolution of natural selection

The effects take multiple generations for genetic resistance to develop.

Biological resistance is considered an adaptation.

Biological resistance (ex: pesticide resistance, antibiotic resistance) is an adaptation that develops from random mutations that allow an organism like an insect or bacteria to survive in an environment, such as the application of pesticides or treatment with antibiotics.

Organisms who develop resistance inherit such resistance from their resistant parents. Remember, organisms do not simply get a trait because it is useful - it must be inherited. Organisms without the genetic trait die in environments with pesticides or antibiotics.

The environmental factor (applying pesticides or using antibiotics) is caused by humans.

Resistance makes organisms more fit for survival.

Over time as a result, it may take more of a pesticide or antibiotic to be effective, or new pesticides or antibiotics must be developed to treat resistant insects or bacteria.