Question

The pesticide, most toxic to vertebrates, is:
A. Organochlorine
B. Organophosphate
C. Formamidine
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: They are derived from phosphoric acid.
They cause an array of illnesses in humans.

Complete answer: Organophosphates (OP) are compounds that are the most widely used group of insecticides/ pesticides in the world
They were first recognized in the year 1854, but their toxicity was not established until the 1930s
Tetraethyl pyrophosphate (TEPP) was the first OP insecticide to be invented and used in agriculture.
It was developed in Germany during World War II as a byproduct of the nerve gas development
All the OPs are derived from phosphoric acid.
They are among the most toxic of all pesticides to vertebrate animals.
They are also unstable and therefore break down relatively quickly in the environment.
Hence, organophosphates are more toxic to vertebrates compared to organochlorine, carbamates, and parathion

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: 1. An organochlorine is also known commonly as chlorocarbon is a chlorinated hydrocarbon. It is an organic compound containing at least one covalently bonded chlorine atom
Formamidine is an unstable base (HC(=NH)NH2) that is known only in the form of its salts and other derivatives
2. Pesticides are substances that are a mixture of compounds that are intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. It is also used as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant
3. Insecticides are used against arthropods, herbicides are used against harmful and invasive weeds, rodenticides are used against rodents, fungicides are used against saprophytes, larvicides are used against the larvae of insects, etc.
4. Organic pesticides are pesticides that are acceptable for organic agriculture.
They include some household detergents, pyrethrin, lime sulfur, sabadilla, garlic, onions, ryania, tomato leaves, tobacco water, snuff, rotenone, oil, and sulfur sprays, talcum powder, soapsuds, rhubarb leaves, garlic, etc.