What is the primary purpose of using gene drives in ecological management?

Using gene drives in ecological management is primarily aimed at controlling pest populations. Gene drives are genetic engineering technologies that promote the inheritance of a particular gene to increase its prevalence in a population. This is particularly useful in managing species that are considered pests or vectors of disease, such as mosquitoes that transmit malaria or other pathogens.

The key advantage of gene drives is their ability to spread a gene throughout a population rapidly, ensuring that targeted traits—such as sterility or susceptibility to certain diseases—propagate across generations. This method can significantly reduce pest populations or alter their behavior in a controlled manner, mitigating their impact on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems without the continuous application of pesticides.

While the other options highlight important aspects of ecological management, they do not directly connect to the primary purpose of gene drives. Increasing agricultural yields, enhancing genetic diversity, and eliminating entire species of plants can all be beneficial in various contexts, but the specific application of gene drives is most relevant to pest control strategies in managing invasive or harmful species.