Resistance

Pronunciation
/ri-ZIS-tuhns/
Category
Behavior
Singular
Resistance
Plural
Resistances

Definition

The ability of an insect or other arthropod population to withstand the exposure to a dose of an insecticide that would kill the majority of a normal (susceptible) population of the same species.

Etymology

From Latin 'resistere', meaning 'to resist'.

Example

The development of resistance to insecticides is a major challenge for pest management programs.

Related Terms

Usage Notes

Resistance can be acquired through various genetic alterations and can vary between species.