Biocontrol refers to the use of biological organisms or products to control pests with little to no impact on non-target organisms. Which statement best reflects this concept?

• A. Biocontrol uses synthetic chemicals to kill pests.
• B. Biocontrol relies on physical barriers to prevent pest access.
• C. Biocontrol uses natural organisms to manage pests with minimal non-target harm.
• D. Biocontrol is the same as habitat destruction.

Answer: (C)

Biocontrol means using living organisms or products derived from them to reduce pest populations with little or no harm to non-target species. The statement that best reflects this concept describes using natural organisms to manage pests while minimizing non-target harm. This captures the idea of leveraging predators, parasitoids, pathogens, or microbial products to suppress pests instead of relying on broad, harmful methods. For example, releasing lady beetles to eat aphids or using a microbial pesticide like Bt targets specific pests with less impact on other organisms. In contrast, synthetic chemicals can affect a wide range of organisms, physical barriers don’t actively reduce pest populations, and habitat destruction is harmful and not a controlled biocontrol approach.