Question

Which of the following is a biological method of pest control?

• A. Pesticides
• B. Insecticides
• C. Release of natural predators
• D. Chemical sprays

Hint:

Biological pest control is environmentally friendly because it reduces the use of harmful chemicals and relies on natural ecological relationships between predators and pests.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding pest control methods.
Pest control refers to the methods used to manage or eliminate organisms that damage crops. These methods can be broadly categorized into chemical control, mechanical control, and biological control. Biological control specifically involves using living organisms to reduce or control pest populations in an environmentally friendly way.

Step 2: Concept of biological control.
Biological pest control uses natural enemies of pests such as predators, parasites, or pathogens. These organisms naturally reduce pest populations without the use of harmful chemicals. A common example is the release of ladybird beetles to control aphids in agricultural fields.

Step 3: Analysis of the options.

• (A) Pesticides: These are chemical substances used to kill pests and are part of chemical pest control.
• (B) Insecticides: These are chemicals specifically used to kill insects and therefore belong to chemical control methods.
• (C) Release of natural predators: Correct. This method involves introducing organisms that feed on pests, making it a biological method of pest control.
• (D) Chemical sprays: These are chemical agents applied to crops and are not biological methods.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Since biological pest control relies on living organisms to suppress pest populations, the release of natural predators is the correct example of a biological pest control method. Final Answer:} Release of natural predators.