Question

Which one of the following describes the use of organisms to control pests? A. Bioremediation B. Intercropping C. Species niche partitioning D. Vector control E. Biological control

Short answer

E. Biological control

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question asks for the term that describes the use of organisms to control pests. Carefully consider the definitions of each option provided.

Define Each Term

A. Bioremediation refers to the use of microorganisms to remove pollutants from the environment.B. Intercropping involves growing two or more crops close to each other for advantages such as pest control and better use of resources.C. Species niche partitioning is an ecological concept where species divide resources to coexist in the same habitat.D. Vector control is the process of controlling animals that transmit diseases to humans.E. Biological control uses natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to manage pest populations.

Match the Definition with the Description

The correct definition for using organisms to control pests matches 'E. Biological control'. Biological control specifically refers to the introduction or enhancement of natural enemies to reduce pest population levels.

Verify the Answer

Re-read the definitions and confirm that 'E. Biological control' is indeed the correct choice. The other options do not specifically focus on using organisms to control pests.

Key concepts

Pest Management

Pest management is an essential aspect of agriculture and environmental sustainability. It involves a variety of strategies aimed at keeping pest populations under control to prevent them from causing significant economic damage or ecological imbalance. One of the key methods is Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
IPM combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. This approach seeks to manage pests by understanding their life cycles and their interactions with the environment.
Common IPM strategies include:

• Monitoring pest populations to make informed decisions
• Using barriers and traps
• Implementing crop rotation and companion planting
• Employing biological control methods

By using multiple tactics, IPM aims to create a balanced approach to pest management, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
In summary, effective pest management involves understanding the specific pests that pose threats and implementing diverse strategies to minimize their impact, ensuring sustainable crop production and environmental health.

Natural Predators

Natural predators play a crucial role in biological control by keeping pest populations in check. These beneficial organisms can include insects, birds, bats, and even some mammals.
There are several types of natural predators commonly used in biological control:

• Lady beetles, which consume aphids and other soft-bodied insects
• Predatory mites, effective against spider mites and thrips
• Parasitic wasps, which lay eggs inside or on pest insects
• Birds like swallows and sparrows that eat a variety of insect pests

Introducing or encouraging the presence of natural predators in agricultural systems can help maintain pest populations at manageable levels without the need for chemical interventions. This method supports ecological balance while reducing the environmental impact of pest control practices.
Overall, leveraging natural predators not only provides effective pest management but also promotes biodiversity and ecological health.

Ecological Balance

Ecological balance refers to the stable and harmonious relationship between living organisms and their environment. It is essential for sustaining biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. When it comes to pest management, maintaining ecological balance is crucial.
Biological control contributes to ecological balance by utilizing natural predators, parasites, and pathogens to manage pest populations. This approach helps to prevent the overpopulation of any single species, which can lead to the disruption of the ecosystem.
Benefits of maintaining ecological balance include:

• Enhanced biodiversity
• Improved soil health
• Benign influence on non-target species
• Reduction in the use of harmful chemical pesticides

By fostering an environment where multiple species thrive, agricultural systems are more resilient to pests and diseases. This resilience reduces the need for external inputs and interventions, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
In essence, ecological balance ensures that natural processes can occur without significant human intervention, leading to long-term environmental and agricultural health.

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture focuses on producing food in a way that is environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible. One of its key principles is the reduced reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Biological control is an integral part of sustainable agriculture. By using natural predators and other biological agents, farmers can manage pests more sustainably. This results in several benefits:

• Reduced chemical residues on food
• Lower risk of water and soil pollution
• Enhanced biodiversity in farming areas
• Better health conditions for farmworkers and nearby communities

Sustainable agriculture also emphasizes crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage to improve soil health and fertility. These practices work together with biological control to create a robust farming system.
Overall, sustainable agriculture aims to meet current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. By using biological control, farmers can achieve this balance, ensuring food security and environmental health for the long term.