NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
What is a key function of biological control methods in agricultural pest control?
Options
- AThey involve chemical treatments
- BThey rely on the predator's ability to regulate prey population
- CThey focus on genetic modification of crops
- DThey depend on altering the pest's habitat
Correct answer
B. They rely on the predator's ability to regulate prey population
Step-by-step solution
The prickly pear cactus introduced into Australia in the early 1920’s caused havoc by spreading rapidly into millions of hectares of rangeland. Finally, the invasive cactus was brought under control only after a cactus-feeding predator (a moth) from its natural habitat was introduced into the country. Biological control methods adopted in agricultural pest control are based on the ability of the predator to regulate prey population . Predators also help in maintaining species diversity in a community, by reducing t