Exam 1 Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to entomology, insect characteristics, pest management strategies, and environmental impacts, aimed at helping students prepare for their upcoming exam.

Entomology

The scientific study of insects and their relationships to humans, other organisms, and the environment.

Sustainability

Involves nature, economy, society, and well-being, focusing on economic viability, environmental conservation, and social equity.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Goals set by the UN aimed at eliminating poverty, hunger, promoting climate action, and sustainable use of resources.

Pests

Insects classified as harmful or nuisances to humans or ecosystems.

Beneficials

Insects that positively contribute to ecosystems, such as pollinators or natural pest controls.

Economic Injury Level (EIL)

The threshold at which the economic loss from pests exceeds pest management costs.

Economic Threshold (ET)

The level at which pest control measures should be applied to prevent reaching EIL.

Ametabolous

A type of metamorphosis where there is no metamorphosis; young resemble adults.

Hemimetabolous

Incomplete metamorphosis where nymphs develop into adults through several molts.

Holometabolous

Complete metamorphosis including larvae and pupae stages.

Larva

The immature, wingless, often worm-like stage in insects undergoing complete metamorphosis.

Pupa

The non-feeding, inactive stage between the larva and adult in insects with complete metamorphosis.

Instar

A developmental stage of an arthropod between each molt until sexual maturity is reached.

Nymph

The immature stage of insects with incomplete metamorphosis, resembling a smaller, wingless version of the adult.

Exoskeleton

A hard outer structure made of chitin providing support and protection to insects.

Molting

The process of shedding the old exoskeleton and forming a new one during insect growth.

Ecdysone

A hormone crucial for signaling molting in insects.

Juvenile Hormone

A hormone that influences the development stages of insects, particularly during metamorphosis.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A strategic approach combining multiple management tactics for sustainable pest control.

Biological control

Utilizing natural enemies, such as predators and parasites, to manage pest populations.

Cultural control

Practices that alter agricultural systems to prevent pest outbreaks, like crop rotation.

Mechanical control

Physical methods such as traps, barriers, and manual removal to manage pests.

Resistance Development

The evolution of pest populations that can survive pesticide applications.

Metabolic Resistance

A mechanism where organisms detoxify or break down pesticides before they can take effect.

Target-Site Resistance

Modification at the binding site that reduces effectiveness of a pesticide.

Behavioral Resistance

Changes in pest behavior that reduce exposure to pest control agents.

Host Plant Resistance (HPR)

The ability of plant varieties to resist or tolerate pest attacks.

Pheromones

Chemical signals used by insects for communication, particularly in monitoring and managing populations.

Acute Toxicity

Immediate harmful effects following exposure to a toxic substance.

Chronic Toxicity

Long-term effects resulting from prolonged exposure to a toxic substance.

IRAC MOA Classification Chart

A tool for understanding insecticide resistance based on specific biochemical action sites.

Broad-spectrum insecticides

Insecticides that affect a wide range of insect species and can harm beneficial insects.

Narrow-spectrum insecticides

Insecticides that target specific pest species, reducing risks to non-target organisms.

Translaminar Activity

Movement of pesticides across a leaf surface to target pests.

Genetically Modified Plants

Plants that have been altered through genetic engineering for improved traits.

RNA Interference (RNAi)

A method enabling plants to produce dsRNA to confer resistance against pests.

Economic impact

The effect of pest damage on crop production, influencing management strategies.

Sampling Methods

Techniques used to monitor pest populations, including visual counts and traps.

Threshold Development

Processes for determining pest population densities that require management action.

Chemical pesticides

Synthetic substances used to kill or manage pest populations.