What is one common consequence of misusing pesticides?

One common consequence of misusing pesticides is loss of biodiversity. When pesticides are applied improperly, they can adversely affect non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, aquatic life, and even plants that are not meant to be harmed. This disruption can lead to a decrease in species populations and a decline in overall ecosystem health. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem services, such as pollination, pest control, and maintaining soil health.

In contrast, choices that mention increased crop production, less regulations imposed, and lower costs for farmers do not typically result from pesticide misuse. Misuse often leads to reduced crop yields due to damage to the crops from pesticide drift or resistance development in pest populations. Additionally, regulatory bodies tend to impose stricter regulations in response to negative impacts and environmental concerns raised by pesticide misuse, rather than reducing them. Lastly, the costs associated with misusing pesticides can actually rise, as farmers might face fines, increased pest resistance leading to more product use, and potential clean-up costs for environmental damage. Thus, loss of biodiversity is a significant and well-documented consequence of pesticide misuse.