During the 1950s, California citrus growers were trying to combat an infestation of the citrus red mite using different insecticides, such as DDT. Unfortunately, early tests showed that DDT caused the red mite population to increase while decreasing the red mite’s predator populations. Using this information, what inference could best be made by the citrus growers? (SC.912.N.1.6)
A.The population of red mites increased
B.The population of the insect predators decreased
C.The red mites were resistant to the effects of the insecticides.
D.The use of insecticides is a reliable way to eliminate all insect predators.

The increase in the population of the red mite due to the application of the insecticides shows that red mite are resistance to the effect of insecticides because the insecticides did not decrease the population of the red mite but the predator of the mite die and decrease in population. This insecticides have no effect on the red mite so for reducing the red mite population the citrus grower should use another pesticide that kills red mite.