Chapter 13: Problem 1

Define pests. Why do we control them? Describe at least four types.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Pests are harmful organisms like insects, mammals, and birds that cause damage to habitats, especially in agriculture. We control pests to mitigate their negative impact on our crops, structures, and health. Four types of pests include insects, mammals, birds, and microorganisms.

Step by step solution

Defining pests

Pests are organisms, typically insects, that are detrimental, annoying or destructive to the habitats or environments they invade, especially in agriculture.

Explaining pest control

We control pests because they can cause damage to crops, homes, and other structures, spread diseases, cause allergic reactions, and damage natural ecosystems by outcompeting native species.

Describing Four Types of Pests

\n1. Insects: These include pests like aphids, beetles, termites, and locusts that cause significant damage to crops and buildings.\n\n2. Mammals: Pests in this category include rats, mice, and rabbits. They can cause destruction by gnawing on structures, eating crops, and spreading diseases.\n\n3. Birds: Pests like sparrows, pigeons, and seagulls can cause damage to buildings, crops, and can sometimes spread diseases.\n\n4. Microorganisms: These are microscopic pests like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They can cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Define pests. Why do we control them? Describe at least four types.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Defining pests

Explaining pest control

Describing Four Types of Pests

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Pollution

Energy Resources

Living Environment

Ecological Conservation

Environmental Research

Physical Environment

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.