High School

Which is the correct definition of pesticides?

A. Foods produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers.
B. Pests that occur naturally in food at safe levels.
C. Chemicals used to kill pests.

Answer :

Final answer:

Pesticides are a range of products including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, used to manage pests. Organic pesticides derived from natural sources are permitted in organic farming, but are subject to regulation to minimize environmental impact. All pesticides carry inherent risks due to their design to influence living organisms.

Explanation:

Pesticides are substances designed to control pests that damage crops or pose dangers to humans and animals. These include a wide array of products like herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides. In the context of organic farming, organic pesticides are used that are derived from natural materials or living organisms and may not contain synthetic additives. The utilization of these pesticides is strictly regulated and they must not be listed as prohibited on the National List under ยง 205.602.

These organic pesticides are employed with an understanding of their environmental impacts, such as potential toxicity to bees and other beneficial species. The organic movement prioritizes the avoidance of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, aligning with consumers' growing concerns over ecological and health consequences. Still, all pesticides, whether organic or synthetic, are formulated to have an adverse effect on living organisms, and hence come with inherent risks. Eco-friendly strategies and biological pest control are increasingly favored in an effort to manage pest populations sustainably.

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