5.6 Pest Control Methods Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the benefits, drawbacks, and specific examples of pest control methods and genetically modified organisms from the 5.6 curriculum notes.

Pesticides

Chemicals that are toxic to pests, including categories such as rodenticides, fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides.

Rodenticides

A type of pesticide specifically designed to kill rodents.

Fungicides

A type of pesticide specifically designed to kill fungi.

Insecticides

A type of pesticide specifically designed to kill insects.

Herbicides

A type of pesticide specifically designed to kill plants.

Artificial Selection (in pest control)

The process by which pests become resistant to pesticides because the chemicals kill non-resistant individuals, leaving only those with resistant traits to survive and reproduce.

Pesticide Treadmill

A cycle where more pesticide or new types of pesticides must be used to kill pests because they have developed resistance to the original chemicals.

DDT

A specific pesticide that thinned the shells of bird eggs, particularly eagles, and can persist in the environment.

Non-target species

Organisms that are unintentionally harmed or killed by pesticides, such as beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.

GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)

Crops genetically engineered to increase resistance to pests and diseases, though their use can lead to a loss of genetic diversity.

Bt corn

A genetically modified crop containing a bacteria gene that produces crystals toxic to pests, which has decreased the need for insecticide use.

Roundup Ready crops

Crops genetically modified to be resistant to the broad herbicide Roundup (glyphosate), allowing for weed control without harming the crop.

Glyphosate

The herbicide used on Roundup Ready crops; its usage has increased because the genetically modified crops are not harmed by it.

Crop Yield

The amount of crop produced, which is typically increased by pest control methods that decrease crop damage.