Question

Biological control of agricultural pests, unlike chemical control, is
A. Very expensive
B. Self-perpetuating
C. Toxic
D. Polluting

Answer 1

Hint: Using Biological methods for preventing plant pests and diseases is termed Biological control. This is the most effective and the best way to reduce pests naturally.

Complete Answer:
In biological control living organisms which are natural enemies of the pests are introduced to the plants to control the pests. Plant pests can also be controlled by chemicals but these chemicals are very toxic and harmful to plants as well as animals and it also kills some useful insects and it increases the pollution in the environment whereas biological control focuses on the natural predation method of controlling pests.

Option(A): Natural method of pest control is not at all expensive because it requires some natural predators whereas the chemical method of pest control is expensive as it involves different synthetic chemicals, Therefore this is an incorrect option.

Option(B): Self-perpetuating ability of predators refers to the ability of the predators to reproduce and grow in numbers so that we do not need to add them again and again, whereas in chemical control, chemicals should be added regularly to control pests, Therefore this is the correct option.

Option(C): Chemical pest control is toxic to plants whereas biological pest control is safe and a natural method of plant pest control, Therefore this is an incorrect option.

Option(D): As we know that chemicals are polluting the environment whereas biological control does not cause any kind of pollution, Therefore this is an incorrect option.

Hence the correct answer is option B.

Note: -It is very important to develop biological biocontrol methods to maintain the diversity of flora and fauna.
- Some Examples of Biological control:
- Aphids are controlled by beetles known as ladybirds.
- Mosquitoes are controlled by Dragonflies.
- Caterpillars of Butterflies can be controlled by Bacillus thuringiensis.