Biological control is defined as which of the following?

• A. A method of pest control that uses naturally occurring disease organisms, parasites, or predators to control pests
• B. Use of chemical pesticides
• C. Mechanical removal of pests
• D. Genetic modification of crops

Answer: (A)

Biological control means using living organisms to reduce pest populations. It relies on natural enemies—predators, parasites, or disease-causing agents—that occur in the environment to keep pests in check, rather than relying on chemical sprays. Examples include introducing lady beetles to eat aphids, releasing parasitic wasps to control caterpillars, or using microbial pesticides like Bacillus thuringiensis that target specific insect larvae. This approach is a common part of integrated pest management because it can be species-specific and more environmentally friendly, though it may act more slowly than chemicals. It differs from chemical pesticides (which kill pests with chemicals), mechanical removal (physical removal or trapping of pests), and genetic modification of crops (altering crops to resist pests).