Which of the following is the most likely unintended consequence of using pesticides in agriculture?

Which of the following is the most likely unintended consequence of using pesticides in agriculture?

a) Increased crop yield

b) Soil erosion

c) Pesticide resistance

d) Biodiversity loss

Answer – d) Biodiversity loss.

Biodiversity loss is considered to be a major unintended consequence related to the usage of pesticides in agriculture. Pesticides have the ability of killing various wildlife species that include the bees, mammals and earthworms. The pesticides can thereby destroy the beneficial populations of insects which can help in controlling the pests. This is considered to be a major reason behind selection of the fourth option as the most appropriate answer for the question. The major reason behind rejection of the first option “a) Increased crop yield” is mainly related to the lower impact that the pesticides have within the agriculture. The second option “b) Soil erosion” was rejected as the correct answer for this question as, although soil erosion can be an unintended consequence of the usage of pesticides, this cannot be considered as a highly important issue that influences the agricultural activities. The third option “c) Pesticide resistance” was rejected as this is considered to be a long-term consequence based on the unintended usage of pesticides within agriculture. The reduction of biodiversity due to the excessive usage of pesticides is considered to be a major factor that influences the agricultural activities. Loss of biodiversity is considered to be a major factor that leads to an adverse influence on the ecological balance and this can also lead to huge levels of genetic resistance within the populations and it causes the pests to increase further. Lack of appropriate biodiversity is an important factor that has a huge negative influence on agriculture and can lead to changes in the results being gained due to completion of agricultural activities.