What genetic variation allows an organism to tolerate higher levels of a pest or pesticide?

Resistance refers to the genetic variation that enables an organism to tolerate higher levels of a pest or pesticide. This ability is often the result of evolutionary processes, where certain individuals in a population possess traits that allow them to survive and reproduce despite the presence of harmful substances or pests. Over time, these resistant traits become more common in the population as they are naturally selected for.

The concept of resistance is critical in agricultural pest management and pest control strategies, as it influences the effectiveness of pesticides. When pests are resistant, standard control measures may become less effective, necessitating the development of new strategies and solutions.

In contrast, hardiness generally refers to an organism's overall ability to withstand various environmental stresses, rather than specifically relating to pests or pesticides. Adaptation is a broader concept that encompasses the overall changes in characteristics of a population over time due to natural selection, which can include resistance but is not limited to it. Immunity typically pertains to biological responses to pathogens rather than the toleration of pests or pesticides. Therefore, resistance is the most precise term for this context.