What does biological control refer to?

Biological control refers to the method of managing pests through natural means, utilizing living organisms such as predators, parasites, or pathogens to suppress pest populations. This approach is rooted in the understanding of the ecological interactions within an ecosystem, aiming to maintain a balance rather than relying solely on chemical interventions.

By employing natural enemies of pests, biological control can lead to sustainable pest management. For instance, introducing ladybugs to control aphid populations exemplifies biological control in action. This method reduces the reliance on synthetic pesticides, thereby minimizing potential environmental impact and promoting biodiversity.

In contrast, other options describe different methods of pest management that do not align with the principles of biological control. Chemical approaches and synthetic pesticides focus on the direct use of chemicals to eliminate pests, while breeding resistant plant species involves genetic manipulation rather than leveraging natural ecological processes. Therefore, the focus of biological control on using natural methods makes it a vital strategy in integrated pest management practices.