National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual - Ch 1 - Pest Management

When should a control measure be applied in relation to the economic injury level? A) After reaching the economic injury level. B) At the same time as reaching the economic injury level. C) Prior to reaching the economic injury level. D) Only when economic injury is already significant.

C) Prior to reaching the economic injury level. Control measures should be applied prior to reaching the economic injury level.

Breeding or selecting plants for resistance is an application of which control method? A) Cultural B) Mechanical C) Genetic or Host Resistance D) Physical

C) Genetic or Host Resistance. The sources describe breeding or selecting plants for resistance as part of genetic or host resistance control.

Bt crops, which produce a protein that kills certain insects, are an example of which type of applied control? A) Chemical B) Genetic C) Cultural D) Biological

B) Genetic. The sources mention Bt crops as an example of genetic control where genetic material is added or modified.

Changing the humidity or temperature of a pest's environment falls under which control category? A) Cultural B) Physical C) Chemical D) Regulatory

B) Physical. The sources define physical control as altering the physical environment, including humidity and temperature.

Herbicides that do not remain active in the soil once applied are examples of what type of pesticide persistence? A) Residual B) Long-lasting C) Non-residual D) Persistent

C) Non-residual. The sources use herbicides that do not remain active in the soil as an example of non-residual pesticides.

Herbicides that kill all green plants that receive a sufficient dose are an example of what type of pesticide selectivity? A) Selective B) Non-selective C) Residual D) Systemic

B) Non-selective. The sources use herbicides that kill all green plants as an example of non-selective pesticides.

Human-applied controls are categorized into seven main types. Which of these is not one of the seven? A) Biological B) Climatic C) Mechanical D) Chemical

B) Climatic. The seven human-applied controls are Biological, Mechanical, Cultural, Physical, Genetic, Chemical, and Regulatory. Climatic is not listed as a human-applied control.

If a pest population reaches 6 aphids per wheat plant, according to an example in the sources, what action is generally recommended? A) Immediate pesticide application. B) No action, as it's below the threshold. C) Implement biological control. D) Begin eradication efforts.

B) No action, as it's below the threshold. The sources provide an example where 6 aphids per wheat plant means no problem and no action.

If the IPM goal is eradication, what type of area is it typically aimed at? A) Large, widespread agricultural fields. B) Entire regions or countries. C) Small, confined areas or government programs. D) Wilderness areas with minimal human intervention.

C) Small, confined areas or government programs. The sources mention eradication as an IPM goal for small, confined areas or government programs.

In 1892, what specific pesticide began to be used in orchards? A) DDT B) Sulfur C) Lead arsenate D) Copper sulfate

C) Lead arsenate. The sources mention lead arsenate in orchards from 1892.

In the historical account of the Bubonic Plague, what happened to rat numbers that led fleas to seek other warm-blooded hosts like humans? A) Rat numbers increased dramatically, attracting fleas. B) Rat numbers declined, forcing fleas to find new hosts. C) Rat numbers remained stable, but fleas evolved. D) Rat numbers were unaffected by the disease.

B) Rat numbers declined, forcing fleas to find new hosts. The sources explain that fleas sought other warm-blooded hosts when rat numbers declined.

In what year was the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created? A) 1968 B) 1970 C) 1972 D) 1975

B) 1970. The sources state the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created in 1970.

Key pests are those that are what? A) Expected to become problems from time to time. B) Only a problem when primary pests are eliminated. C) Common pests that may pose a problem due to prior knowledge. D) Always require eradication.

C) Common pests that may pose a problem due to prior knowledge. The sources define key pests as those where there is prior knowledge of which common pests may pose a problem.

Managing for mosquitoes by refreshing birdbath water weekly is an example of which type of applied control? A) Cultural B) Mechanical C) Physical D) Biological

C) Physical. Refreshing birdbath water to manage mosquitoes is listed under physical control, as it alters the physical environment (water).

Mowing, irrigation, aeration, and fertilization are examples of what type of applied pest control? A) Mechanical trapping B) Physical alteration C) Cultural practices D) Genetic modification

C) Cultural practices. The sources list mowing, irrigation, aeration, fertilization, and mulching as cultural control methods.

Periodic mass release from cultures is a method used in what type of pest control? A) Chemical B) Genetic C) Biological D) Physical

C) Biological. The sources mention periodic mass release from cultures as a method of using biological control.

Pesticide resistance is defined as the ability of a pest to tolerate a pesticide that once controlled it. What is a primary cause for the development of pesticide resistance? A) Infrequent pesticide use targeting diverse pest populations. B) Intensive pesticide use killing susceptible pests, leaving resistant ones to reproduce. C) Exclusive reliance on biological control methods. D) Broad-spectrum pesticide use that affects all pests equally.

B) Intensive pesticide use killing susceptible pests, leaving resistant ones to reproduce. The sources state that intensive pesticide use kills susceptible pests, leaving resistant ones to reproduce, which causes resistance.

Pesticides that are absorbed through tissues and transported elsewhere in a plant or livestock, where a pest encounters them through feeding, are known as what type of pesticide? A) Contact B) Residual C) Systemic D) Non-selective

C) Systemic. The sources describe systemic pesticides as those absorbed through tissues and transported elsewhere for pest encounter through feeding.

Pesticides that remain active for weeks, months, or years are classified by their persistence as what? A) Non-residual B) Immediate-acting C) Residual D) Short-term

C) Residual. The sources define residual pesticides as those that remain active for weeks, months, or years.

Plant pathogens are described as living agents that include fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and what other specific group? A) Protozoa B) Mycoplasmas C) Phytoplasmas D) Rickettsias

C) Phytoplasmas. The sources list fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and phytoplasmas as living agents that cause plant diseases.

Preventing pests from entering or traveling using nets, screens, or caulking falls under which applied control method? A) Mechanical exclusion B) Physical barriers C) Cultural sanitation D) Regulatory quarantine

A) Mechanical exclusion. The sources classify nets, screens, air curtains, caulking, steel wool, and metal tree collars as methods of mechanical exclusion.

Primitive pest control methods included pulling weeds, clubbing rats, and what other method for insects? A) Spraying with sulfur B) Plucking insects from foliage C) Using lead arsenate D) Applying Bordeaux mixture

B) Plucking insects from foliage. Primitive methods included pulling weeds, clubbing rats, and plucking insects from foliage.

Quarantines at airports, ocean ports, and borders primarily serve what purpose in pest management? A) To eliminate existing pest populations. B) To monitor for pesticide resistance. C) To prevent pests from entering an area or moving from infested areas. D) To control pest reproduction rates.

C) To prevent pests from entering an area or moving from infested areas. The sources explain that quarantine prevents pests from entry or movement.

Regulatory pest control primarily focuses on which two main strategies? A) Mechanical exclusion and cultural sanitation B) Biological control and chemical eradication C) Quarantine and eradication programs D) Genetic modification and physical barriers

C) Quarantine and eradication programs. The sources state that regulatory pest control involves quarantine to prevent entry/movement and eradication programs to eliminate pests.

Sealing garbage cans and removing soil near siding are cultural practices for which specific purpose? A) Promoting beneficial insects B) Increasing crop yield C) Enhancing plant resistance D) Sanitation to reduce pest harborage

D) Sanitation to reduce pest harborage. The sources list these actions under sanitation, which eliminates food, water, and shelter for pests and reduces harborage.

Spider mites becoming a problem when key pests are controlled or eliminated is an example of what type of pest? A) Key pest B) Occasional pest C) Secondary pest D) Transient pest

C) Secondary pest. The sources use spider mites becoming a problem when key pests are controlled as an example of secondary pests.

Spiders and mites fall under which major pest category? A) Weeds B) Invertebrates C) Vertebrates D) Plant Diseases

B) Invertebrates. Spiders and mites are listed as invertebrates, which is a major pest category.

The accumulation of a chemical in animal fat is specifically referred to as what? A) Bioabsorption B) Biomagnification C) Bioaccumulation D) Biodegradation

C) Bioaccumulation. The sources define bioaccumulation as when a chemical accumulates in animal fat.

The Colorado Potato Beetle became resistant to what specific pesticide, highlighting a concern with pesticide dependence? A) Lime and copper sulfate B) Lead arsenate C) DDT D) Sulfur

C) DDT. The sources mention the Colorado Potato Beetle developing resistance to DDT.

The cost of control measure(s) is a consideration when determining the need for action during which IPM component? A) Identify and Understand B) Monitor the Pest C) Develop the IPM Goal D) Record and Evaluate Results

B) Monitor the Pest. The sources list the cost of control measure(s) as a factor in monitoring the pest to determine if action is needed.

The economic injury level is reached when what occurs? A) The cost of control measures exceeds the potential losses. B) The pest population density is at its lowest point. C) The cost of losses equals the cost of control measures. D) No control measures are economically viable.

C) The cost of losses equals the cost of control measures. The sources state the economic injury level is when the cost of losses equals the cost of control measures.

The introduction of the cane toad in Australia in 1935 was intended to control which pests? A) Two types of mosquitoes B) Two pests of sugar cane C) Two kinds of rodents D) Two species of invasive weeds

B) Two pests of sugar cane. The sources specify that the cane toad was introduced to control two pests of sugar cane.

The recognition of damage symptoms and diseases is a component of which IPM step? A) Monitor the Pest B) Implement the IPM Program C) Identify and Understand D) Record and Evaluate Results

C) Identify and Understand. The sources state that recognition of damage symptoms and diseases is part of identifying and understanding the pest.

To identify a pest, what is recommended regarding its life stages? A) Assume all stages look the same. B) Understand that all stages of a pest do not look the same. C) Only identify the adult stage. D) Focus solely on damage symptoms.

B) Understand that all stages of a pest do not look the same. The sources emphasize understanding that all stages of a pest do not look the same for critical identification.

To manage pesticide resistance, what is a recommended practice regarding products with similar modes of action? A) Use them repeatedly for consistent control. B) Alternate them frequently to confuse pests. C) Do not use them repeatedly. D) Apply them at higher dosages to overcome resistance.

C) Do not use them repeatedly. The sources advise not using products repeatedly that have similar modes of action to manage resistance.

To manage pesticide resistance, what is one tactic concerning the area of treatment? A) Treat the largest possible area regardless of infestation. B) Limit treatment areas. C) Always expand the treatment area with each application. D) Treat areas that have no pests to prevent future issues.

B) Limit treatment areas. The sources suggest limiting treatment areas to manage resistance.

True or False: An action threshold may sometimes be zero.

True. The sources explicitly state that sometimes the action threshold may be zero.

True or False: IPM helps maintain a good public image.

True. The sources list maintaining a good public image as one of the benefits of practicing IPM.

True or False: Misidentification of a pest can lead to ineffective control of the real pest.

True. The sources state that misidentification results in a lack of knowledge, which leads to ineffective control of the real pest.

True or False: One of the benefits of practicing IPM is that it always guarantees the complete eradication of all pest organisms.

False. While eradication can be an IPM goal in small, confined areas or government programs, IPM aims to prevent damage and reduce pest levels, not always complete eradication of all pest organisms in all situations.

True or False: Some aspects of an IPM program may be slow to yield results.

True. The sources state that some aspects may be slow to yield results.

True or False: Sulfur burning for mite and insect control was first recorded around 1892.

False. Sulfur burning for mites and insects dates back to 2500 B.C., much earlier than 1892.

True or False: To avoid developing resistant pest populations, it is advisable to use the same pesticide at the same rate and timing repeatedly.

False. The sources advise against repeatedly using products with similar modes of action and suggest varying strategies to avoid developing resistance.

True or False: When implementing an IPM program, it is recommended to select the most harmful but fastest-acting control methods.

False. The sources advise selecting effective and least harmful methods when implementing an IPM program.

What did the Black Death, a "mysterious scourge" in 14th Century Europe, later found to be caused by, infect? A) Mosquitoes B) Rat fleas C) Rodent hosts directly D) Birds

B) Rat fleas. The sources state that centuries later it was found that rat fleas became infected with the disease-causing bacteria that caused the plague.

What did the cane toad become in Australia after its introduction to control sugar cane pests? A) A beneficial predator B) A new cash crop C) An invasive species itself D) A source of medicinal compounds

C) An invasive species itself. The sources note that the cane toad later emerged as an invasive species itself.

What does environmental persistence refer to concerning pesticides? A) How quickly they break down in the environment. B) How long they remain active in the environment. C) How easily they evaporate into the atmosphere. D) How well they adhere to plant surfaces.

B) How long they remain active in the environment. Environmental persistence is listed as a concern, and later persistence is defined as how long pesticides remain active.

What does the IPM component "Monitor the Pest" specifically consider regarding populations? A) Only the pest population. B) Only the beneficial population. C) Both pest population and beneficial population. D) Neither, focusing only on damage.

C) Both pest population and beneficial population. The sources list both pest population and beneficial population as considerations when monitoring the pest.

What factor is directly linked to an increased likelihood of pesticide resistance, according to the sources? A) Limited treatment areas B) Frequent applications C) Using non-chemical means D) Lower dosages

B) Frequent applications. The sources list frequency of applications as a factor causing pesticide resistance.

What historical chemical was banned in 1972 due to public concern and stringent regulation of pesticides? A) Lead arsenate B) Bordeaux mixture C) DDT D) Sulfur

C) DDT. The sources state that DDT was banned in 1972.

What historical event, characterized by a fungal disease decimating potato crops, led to widespread starvation and migration in Ireland? A) The Great Blight B) The Green Famine C) The Potato Famine D) The Irish Blight

C) The Potato Famine. The sources mention the Potato Famine was caused by late blight, a fungal disease that decimated Ireland's potato crops, leading to starvation and migration.

What is a "host" in the context of pest identification? A) The natural enemy of the pest. B) The environment where the pest lives. C) The organism or plant on which the pest lives or feeds. D) The specialist who examines pest samples.

C) The organism or plant on which the pest lives or feeds. The sources mention knowing the "host of the pest" as critical for identification, which implies the organism or plant it lives on.

What is a distinguishing sign of insect infestation mentioned in the sources? A) Unique nests B) Feeding damage C) Particular flowers D) Unusual growth habits on plants

B) Feeding damage. The sources indicate that feeding damage is a characteristic sign of insects.

What is a key characteristic of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? A) It primarily relies on regular, scheduled pesticide applications. B) It anticipates and prevents damage, using several tactics in combination. C) It focuses exclusively on eradicating all pest organisms. D) It is a reactive approach, responding only after significant damage occurs.

B) It anticipates and prevents damage, using several tactics in combination. The sources describe IPM as a balanced, tactical approach that anticipates and prevents damage and uses several tactics in combination.

What is a key characteristic to look for when identifying weeds? A) Unique nests B) Feeding damage C) Particular flowers, seeds, or unusual growth habits D) Distinctive fecal materials

C) Particular flowers, seeds, or unusual growth habits. The sources indicate that weeds have particular flowers, seeds, or unusual growth habits that help in their identification.

What is a key step in using biological control after locating a pest's native homeland and finding natural enemies? A) Immediately release the natural enemy into the target area. B) Evaluate if the natural enemy is suitable before release. C) Introduce broad-spectrum insecticides alongside the natural enemy. D) Disregard naturally-occurring organisms.

B) Evaluate if the natural enemy is suitable before release. The sources indicate that before releasing a natural enemy, one must evaluate if it is suitable.

What is a mechanical control method used to restrain or kill pests by capturing them in a device? A) Exclusion B) Cultivation C) Trapping D) Sanitation

C) Trapping. The sources describe trapping as the use of mechanical or sticky devices to capture, restrain, or kill pests.

What is a pesticide defined as in the sources? A) Any material applied to kill, attract, repel, or regulate pests B) A chemical substance designed solely to kill insects C) A natural extract used to deter pests D) A device that captures or restrains pests

A) Any material applied to kill, attract, repel, or regulate pests. The sources define a pesticide as any material that is applied to kill, attract, repel, or regulate pests.

What is a specific cultural practice involving planting crops that pests prefer over the main crop, drawing pests away? A) Crop rotation B) Trap crops C) Tolerant varieties D) Sanitation

B) Trap crops. The sources list trap crops as a cultural control method.

What is one of the "natural controls" listed that affects pest populations by influencing temperature and humidity? A) Rivers B) Wind C) Mountains D) Food supply

B) Wind. The sources list wind, temperature, humidity, and rain as natural controls.

What is one of the five benefits of using IPM listed in the sources? A) Eliminates the need for any chemical controls. B) Maintains balanced ecosystems. C) Guarantees no further pest outbreaks. D) Only targets key pests, ignoring occasional ones.

B) Maintains balanced ecosystems. The sources list maintaining balanced ecosystems as a benefit of IPM.

What is one of the qualities of a "Professional IPM Practitioner"? A) Reliance solely on chemical solutions. B) Knowledge of all global pest species. C) Careful observation. D) Prioritizing personal convenience over environmental impact.

C) Careful observation. The sources list careful observation, knowledge of the pest and control options, and a professional attitude as qualities of a professional IPM practitioner.

What is the definition of "economic threshold" in IPM? A) The cost of control measures. B) The point where pest population begins to decline naturally. C) The pest population density when control is necessary to prevent economic injury. D) The maximum pest population an environment can sustain.

C) The pest population density when control is necessary to prevent economic injury. The sources define economic threshold as the pest population density when control is necessary to prevent economic injury.

What is the definition of a weed? A) Any plant not native to an area. B) Any undesirable plant. C) Any plant that hosts insects. D) Any plant that grows in a cultivated field.

B) Any undesirable plant. The sources define weeds as undesirable plants.

What is the definition of an action threshold in IPM? A) The pest population density when control is no longer necessary. B) The unacceptable pest level at which action should be taken. C) The exact point when the cost of losses equals the cost of control. D) The maximum pest population allowed before any monitoring begins.

B) The unacceptable pest level at which action should be taken. The sources define action threshold as an unacceptable pest level, triggering action.

What is the first component of IPM, before monitoring? A) Setting action thresholds B) Identifying and understanding the pest C) Implementing control strategies D) Recording and evaluating results

B) Identifying and understanding the pest. The sources list "Identify and Understand" as the first component of IPM.

What kind of pesticide must come into direct contact with the target pest to be effective? A) Systemic B) Residual C) Contact D) Selective

C) Contact. The sources state that contact pesticides must come in direct contact with the target pest.

What pest management goal involves using weed-free seed, resistant plants, sanitation, and exclusion? A) Suppression B) Eradication C) Prevention D) Mitigation

C) Prevention. The sources list weed-free seed, resistant plants, sanitation, exclusion, and pesticide treatments as strategies for prevention.

What should be observed when implementing the IPM program? A) Only federal regulations, ignoring local and state. B) All local, state, and federal regulations. C) No regulations, as IPM is self-governing. D) Only regulations pertaining to chemical use.

B) All local, state, and federal regulations. The sources instruct to observe all local, state, federal regulations when implementing IPM.

What specific mechanical method is used to control growth or destroy plants by cutting them? A) Trapping B) Mowing C) Caulking D) Exclusion

B) Mowing. The sources list mowers under mechanical cultivation for controlling growth or destroying plants.

What type of pest becomes problematic when key pests are controlled or eliminated, as seen with spider mites? A) Occasional pests B) Secondary pests C) Primary pests D) Invasive pests

B) Secondary pests. The sources explicitly state secondary pests become problems when key pests are controlled or eliminated, citing spider mites as an example.

What type of pesticide is defined by how long it remains active in the environment? A) Systemic B) Contact C) Mode of action D) Persistence

D) Persistence. The sources categorize pesticides by their persistence, which is how long they remain active in the environment.

What unique pattern might be observed on plant tissue as a characteristic sign of pathogens? A) Insect frass B) Distinctive fecal materials C) Unique patterns or growths D) Specific flower shapes

C) Unique patterns or growths. The sources indicate that pathogens show unique patterns or growths on plant tissue.

What was the active ingredient in Bordeaux mixture, an early pesticide? A) Sulfur and lead B) Lead arsenate C) Lime and copper sulfate D) DDT

C) Lime and copper sulfate. The sources list Bordeaux mixture as containing lime and copper sulfate.

What was the first step always recommended before taking any action in pest management? A) Apply a broad-spectrum pesticide B) Identify the pest C) Determine the action threshold D) Implement biological control

B) Identify the pest. The sources state that the first step is always to identify the pest before taking any action.

When an organism accumulates residues at higher concentrations than the organisms they consume, this process is known as what? A) Bioconcentration B) Bioaccumulation C) Biomagnification D) Bioabsorption

C) Biomagnification. The sources define biomagnification as when an organism accumulates residues at higher concentrations than the organisms they consume.

When choosing control methods, what is one of the desired control outcomes mentioned? A) Complete eradication of all organisms regardless of impact. B) Suppression to an acceptable level. C) Promoting pest population growth for research. D) Increasing pesticide dependence.

B) Suppression to an acceptable level. The sources list prevention of pest outbreaks, suppression to acceptable levels, and eradication of all pest organisms as desired outcomes.

When considering pesticide use, what is important to avoid for developing resistant pest populations? A) Using the correct application rate. B) Identifying the pest properly. C) Using products repeatedly that have similar modes of action. D) Timing applications correctly.

C) Using products repeatedly that have similar modes of action. The sources specifically advise against this to avoid developing resistant pest populations.

When identifying a pest, besides books and field guides, what other resource is specifically mentioned? A) Online encyclopedias B) Web C) Television documentaries D) Personal diaries

B) Web. The sources list books, extension bulletins, field guides, and the Web as resources for pest identification.

When making decisions for IPM, what is the third step after identifying the pest/biology and monitoring/surveying? A) Implementing control strategies B) Setting the IPM goal C) Recording results D) Managing for pesticide resistance

B) Setting the IPM goal. The sources list the steps as 1. Identify, 2. Monitor, 3. Set IPM goal, 4. Implement.

When recording and evaluating IPM results, what is a potential outcome mentioned? A) Immediate and clear success in all cases. B) Aspects may be slow to yield results or be ineffective/damaging to non-targets. C) Results are always permanent. D) No further planning is needed once results are evaluated.

B) Aspects may be slow to yield results or be ineffective/damaging to non-targets. The sources mention that some aspects may be slow to yield results, or might be ineffective or damaging to the target crop, beneficial insects, etc.

When using biological control, what is advised regarding broad-spectrum insecticides? A) Use them liberally to ensure pest control. B) Avoid them to conserve native beneficial organisms. C) Apply them after natural enemies are released. D) They are necessary for biological control to work.

B) Avoid them to conserve native beneficial organisms. The sources advise avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides to conserve native beneficials.

Which advantage is specifically listed for the use of pesticides? A) Environmentally neutral B) Always permanent control C) Effective, fast, easy D) No development of resistance

C) Effective, fast, easy. The sources list advantages of pesticides as being effective, fast, and easy.

Which cultural control practice involves eliminating food, water, and shelter for pests? A) Crop rotation B) Sanitation C) Trap cropping D) Planting timing

B) Sanitation. The sources define sanitation as eliminating food, water, and shelter for pests.

Which IPM goal involves reducing pest populations to an acceptable level rather than complete elimination? A) Prevention B) Eradication C) Suppression D) Regulation

C) Suppression. The sources state suppression means reduction of pest populations to acceptable levels.

Which mechanical method is designed to prevent pests from entering or traveling, often involving physical barriers like caulk or screens? A) Cultivation B) Trapping C) Exclusion D) Mowing

C) Exclusion. The sources list caulk and screens under mechanical exclusion.

Which of the following is an advantage of IPM listed in the sources? A) Eliminates the need for any form of monitoring. B) Reduces side effects compared to relying solely on pesticides. C) Always results in zero pest populations. D) Is always cheaper than any other pest control method.

B) Reduces side effects compared to relying solely on pesticides. The sources state that IPM improves effectiveness and reduces side effects.

Which of the following is an example of a non-living agent that can cause plant disease? A) Fungi B) Bacteria C) Cold D) Nematodes

C) Cold. The sources list cold, heat, pollutants, and dog urine as non-living agents causing plant diseases, differentiating them from living agents like fungi, bacteria, and nematodes.

Which of the following is an example of an organism classified as a mammal pest? A) Birds B) Fish C) Rodents D) Snakes

C) Rodents. Rodents are listed under vertebrates, specifically as mammals.

Which of the following is described as a non-living agent causing plant diseases? A) Viruses B) Dog urine C) Fungi D) Bacteria

B) Dog urine. The sources list dog urine as a non-living agent that can cause plant disease.

Which of the following is not a type of invertebrate listed as a pest? A) Snails B) Birds C) Insects D) Pillbugs

B) Birds. Birds are listed under vertebrates, while snails, insects, and pillbugs are invertebrates.

Which of the following is not considered a pest according to the provided definition? A) An organism that reduces aesthetic value B) An organism that destroys structures C) An organism that enhances recreational value D) An organism that poses threats to human health

C) An organism that enhances recreational value. A pest is defined as any organism detrimental to humans, including those that destroy crops, structures, pose health threats, or reduce aesthetic and recreational value, making enhancement of recreational value the opposite of a pest characteristic.

Which of the following is not listed as one of the four major pest categories? A) Weeds B) Pathogens C) Invertebrates D) Microorganisms

D) Microorganisms. The four major pest categories are listed as Weeds, Invertebrates, Vertebrates, and Plant Diseases (which include pathogens). Microorganisms are not a distinct major category in this listing.

Which of these is explicitly listed as a natural control factor for pest populations? A) Chemical applications B) Genetic modification C) Pathogens D) Regulatory measures

C) Pathogens. The sources list pathogens, predators, wind, temperature, humidity, rain, rivers, lakes, mountains, and food supply as natural controls.

Which term describes a pesticide that kills only certain weeds, insects, or plant pathogens, rather than all related pests? A) Non-selective B) Broad-spectrum C) Selective D) Residual

C) Selective. The sources explain that selective pesticides kill only certain weeds, insects, or plant pathogens.

Which term refers to pests that may become troublesome from time to time, but are not consistently present at damaging levels? A) Key pests B) Secondary pests C) Occasional pests D) Migratory pests

C) Occasional pests. The sources describe occasional pests as those that may become troublesome from time to time.

Which tool or data source is listed for monitoring pests in IPM? A) Satellite imagery B) Economic forecasts C) Scouting D) Public opinion polls

C) Scouting. The sources list scouting, trapping, weather data, and models as tools for monitoring pests.

Which type of applied control involves altering soil conditions for weeds and insects using tools like hoes, plows, and disks? A) Biological control B) Mechanical cultivation C) Cultural manipulation D) Physical alteration

B) Mechanical cultivation. The sources describe cultivation with hoes, plows, and disks as a mechanical control method that disrupts soil conditions for weeds and insects.

Which type of natural control includes wind, temperature, and humidity? A) Abiotic factors B) Biotic factors C) Topographic factors D) Genetic factors

A) Abiotic factors. Wind, temperature, and humidity are environmental conditions, which are abiotic factors.

Which vertebrate is specifically listed as a pest? A) Domestic cats B) Snakes C) Butterflies D) Earthworms

B) Snakes. Snakes are listed under the vertebrates category of pests.