Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What type of pesticide builds up in the tissues of animals and plants?

1. Leachable

2. Accumulative

3. Systemic

4. Volatile

The correct answer is: Accumulative

The correct choice describes a type of pesticide characterized by its capacity to accumulate within the tissues of living organisms, such as animals and plants. Accumulative pesticides tend to be persistent in the environment, which means that they do not break down easily and can reach higher concentrations over time through the food chain. This bioaccumulation can pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health, as these compounds may become increasingly concentrated in predators or top-level consumers. In contrast, other types mentioned have different properties. Leachable pesticides easily move through the soil and can contaminate groundwater but do not necessarily build up in tissues. Systemic pesticides are absorbed into the plant’s system and can affect the entire organism, but they are not primarily known for accumulating in animal tissues. Volatile pesticides readily evaporate, potentially impacting air quality, but they lack the accumulation characteristic that the question specifies. Understanding these distinctions is critical for safe pesticide application and environmental protection.