Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a highlighted concern of biological control?

Accepted Answer

The highlighted concerns of biological control are the potential for unintended consequences, the irreversibility of the introduction, and the impact on non-target species. Option D is incorrect because Bt toxin only affects specific insect species and does not poison the entire food chain.

Question 2

What is a persistent organic pollutant? How has the Stockholm Convention addressed persistent organic pollutants? Identify and briefly explain one notable exception to this treaty. What would be necessary to make this treaty effective globally?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is a persistent organic pollutant? How...

Question 3

What method is used to prevent the spread of foreign pests by restricting any plant or animal which might harbor pests?

Accepted Answer

Quarantine involves restricting the movement of any plant or animal that may harbor foreign pests, which helps prevent the spread of the pests. Integrated pest management, insecticides, sterile male technique, and pheromones may also be used to control pests or prevent their spread, but they are not specifically focused on restricting the movement of potentially infected organisms.

Question 4

Unfortunately there is no such thing as an "ideal" pesticide. However, if you were to create one, describe six characteristics that your "ideal" pesticide might posses.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Unfortunately there is no such thing as...

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a U.S. law that regulates pesticides?

Accepted Answer

The Clean Consumerism Act is not a U.S. law that regulates pesticides. The other options, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and the Food Quality Protection Act all have provisions for regulating pesticides.

Question 6

What is used to lure insects, such as Japanese beetles, into traps?

Accepted Answer

Pheromones are chemicals that are produced by insects to communicate with each other. By releasing synthetic pheromones in traps, insects can be lured in and trapped. This method is often used for specific insects, such as Japanese beetles or moths, without harming other beneficial insects in the area.

Question 7

What is the difference between an inorganic pesticide and a botanical pesticide? Include in your answer:
a) Examples of each category of pesticide.
b) Potential risks of the pesticide in the environment.
c) A distinction between first- and second-generation pesticides.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the difference between an inorganic...

Question 8

First-generation pesticides are __________ and second-generation pesticides are _________.

Accepted Answer

First-generation pesticides include both inorganic compounds and botanicals, which were the earliest forms of pesticides used. Second-generation pesticides refer to synthetic poisons developed later, including many of the modern pesticides in use today.

Question 9

Which type of insecticide is the most poisonous and is highly toxic to birds, bees, and aquatic organisms?

Accepted Answer

Organophosphates are the most poisonous type of insecticide and are highly toxic to birds, bees, and aquatic organisms, as well as humans.

Question 10

What are two major benefits of using pesticides? If pesticide use were discontinued, what pesticide alternatives or compromises would be needed to maintain these benefits?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are two major benefits of using...

Question 11

Identify two problems concerning banned or heavily restricted pesticides. Why is pesticide misuse increasingly viewed as a global environmental problem?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify two problems concerning banned or heavily...

Question 12

You have noticed that mice are co-habiting your apartment with you. Besides spraying toxic chemicals, what are some steps you can take to control this pest?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You have noticed that mice are co-habiting...

Question 13

Which of the following is a strategy to reduce pesticide use?

Accepted Answer

All of these choices are effective strategies to reduce pesticide use. Removing subsidies that encourage pesticide use would discourage overuse of pesticides. Applying pesticides only when necessary and adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices would both reduce the amount of pesticide needed to control pests. Using improved pesticide application equipment can reduce the amount of pesticide wasted or overapplied. A combination of these strategies would be the most effective in reducing pesticide use.

Question 14

A number of alternative methods to controlling pest populations involve some aspect of insect reproductive biology. Why has this feature of insect biology been targeted? Include in your answer:
a) Two such methods and explain how they work to control the pests.
b) The risks associated with each approach.
c) Are these approaches broad-spectrum or narrow-spectrum?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A number of alternative methods to controlling...

Quiz 22: Pest Management