What is one of the long-term effects of pesticide misuse on ecosystems?

The long-term effects of pesticide misuse on ecosystems can significantly contribute to the decline in overall ecosystem health. When pesticides are used improperly, they can contaminate soil, water, and air, leading to harmful impacts on non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, plants, and wildlife. This contamination disrupts food chains and can cause a decrease in biodiversity as species that are sensitive to chemical exposure either die off or migrate away from affected areas.

Moreover, the persistence of certain pesticides in the environment can lead to chronic exposure for various organisms over time, further degrading ecosystem function and resilience. A decline in ecosystem health can manifest as reduced productivity of terrestrial and aquatic systems, impaired nutrient cycling, and a loss of habitat complexity, which are critical for supporting diverse life forms.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes such as habitat improvement, increased diversity, or recovery of species, which are generally not associated with the adverse effects of pesticide misuse. Instead, these outcomes are typically the result of responsible environmental management and conservation practices, rather than the consequences of pesticide application.