Which of the following is a reason for pest population outbreaks?

Correct option is D

A pest outbreak refers to a sudden, rapid increase in the population of a pest species that causes significant economic damage to crops, livestock, or stored products. Pest outbreaks are usually the result of an imbalance in population-regulating factors, which can include both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) causes.
�� Major Reasons for Pest Outbreaks:
(a) Absence of Natural Enemies ✅
· Natural enemies such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens help regulate pest populations under normal conditions.
· Excessive pesticide use, habitat destruction, or introduction of non-native pests can eliminate these natural enemies, allowing pest populations to explode unchecked.
(b) High Natality (Birth Rate) ✅
· Many pests, especially insects like aphids and mites, have short life cycles and high reproductive rates.
· High natality leads to rapid population growth, especially under favorable environmental conditions.
(c) Reduced Mortality ✅
· Factors like mild weather, pesticide resistance, or lack of natural diseases can reduce pest mortality.
· As a result, more individuals survive and reproduce, accelerating population growth.