Biological Control of Pests — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptBiological control of pests and diseases: In agriculture, there is a method of controlling pests that relies on natural predation rather than introduced chemicals. A key belief of the organic farmer is that biodiversity furthers health. The more variety a landscape has, the more sustainable it is. The organic farmer, therefore, works to create a system where the insects that are sometimes called pests are not eradicated, but instead are kept at manageable levels by a complex system of checks and balances within a living and vibrant ecosystem. Contrary to the 'conventional' farming practices which often use chemical methods to kill both useful
Which of the following statements regarding the importance and approach of biocontrol methods are NOT correct? S1: Biocontrol methods are increasingly favored because they are often more cost-effective and faster acting than synthetic pesticides. S2: Organic farming emphasizes a holistic approach to pest management, aiming to maintain biodiversity rather than pest eradication. S3: Synthetic pesticides typically offer specific targeting of pests, minimizing harm to beneficial organisms in an ecosystem. S4: The reliance on chemical methods in conventional farming can lead to pollution of soil, groundwater, and crop plants. S5: Understanding the life cycles and feeding patterns of both pests and predators is crucial for developing effective biocontrol strategies. S6: Biocontrol measures aim to completely eliminate pest populations to ensure maximum crop yield.
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Correct answer: A — S1, S3 and S6
This question evaluates the understanding of the principles and implications of biocontrol methods compared to synthetic pesticides. S1 is NOT correct. Biocontrol methods have gained importance due to the harmful effects of synthetic pesticides, not because they are inherently more cost-effective or faster acting in all cases. Their primary advantage is environmental safety. S2 is correct. Organic farming takes a holistic approach, fostering biodiversity to keep pests at manageable levels through natural checks and balances, rather than complete eradication. S3 is NOT correct. Synthetic pesticides often kill both useful and harmful life forms indiscriminately, meaning they do not typically offer specific targeting and can harm beneficial organisms. S4 is correct. The excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in modern agriculture is a major cause of environmental pollution, affecting soil, groundwater, and crop plants. S5 is correct. An important part of biological farming is to become familiar with the various life forms, predators as well as pests, and also their life cycles, patterns of feeding, and preferred habitats to develop appropriate means of biocontrol. S6 is NOT correct. The organic farmer holds the view that eradication of pests is undesirable and often impossible. Biocontrol aims to keep pests at manageable levels within a vibrant ecosystem. Therefore, S1, S3, and S6 are NOT correct.
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