What is a potential consequence of over-relying on chemical pest control?

The choice of increased risk of pesticide resistance accurately highlights a significant consequence of relying heavily on chemical pest control. When pesticides are used repeatedly and exclusively, pests are exposed to those chemicals consistently. Over time, this leads to natural selection where some pests may develop resistance to the chemicals used, as only the susceptible individuals are eliminated. As a result, the pest population can adapt, leading to the emergence of "super pests" that are harder to control and may require even stronger or more toxic chemicals to manage effectively.

This scenario becomes a challenging cycle for farmers and agricultural producers, as they may need to apply more powerful pesticides or increase the frequency of applications, which can escalate production costs and pose greater risks to human health and the environment. In contrast, relying solely on chemical methods does not build up other pest management strategies or support ecological balance, which could mitigate the pest problem in a more sustainable fashion.

The other options either suggest outcomes that contradict the established evidence regarding chemical pest control or misrepresent the ecological implications of such practices.