Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

True or False: Pesticide pollution can assist a pest by killing its natural predators and parasites.

1. True

2. False

3. Only if pesticide is applied improperly

4. Not applicable to all pests

The correct answer is: True

Pesticide pollution can indeed assist a pest by eliminating its natural predators and parasites. When pesticides are used in the environment, especially broad-spectrum chemicals, they do not only target the intended pest species but can also affect non-target organisms, which include the natural enemies of the pests, such as predators and parasitoids. This disruption in the ecosystem can lead to increased pest populations because their natural checks and balances—those predators and parasites that would normally keep them in check—are diminished or eradicated. Consequently, this can result in pest outbreaks that are more severe and harder to manage in the future. While improper application of pesticides can exacerbate these effects, the fundamental principle is that the use of pesticides can and often does lead to unintended consequences that benefit the pests. Thus, the assertion that pesticide pollution can assist a pest by killing its natural predators and parasites is accurate.