Which of the following types of control uses predators to manage pest populations?

Biological control utilizes natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to manage pest populations effectively. This method involves introducing or enhancing the presence of organisms that prey on or target harmful pests. By utilizing these natural mechanisms, biological control aims to maintain pest populations at manageable levels while minimizing environmental impact and reducing the need for synthetic pesticides.

In contrast, chemical control relies on synthetic pesticides to kill or repel pests, which can lead to various environmental concerns. Cultural control involves changing agricultural practices or the environment to discourage pest establishment, such as crop rotation or altering planting dates. Mechanical control utilizes physical methods to remove or block pests, such as traps or barriers. Each of these alternatives serves different strategies in pest management, but biological control specifically focuses on leveraging natural relationships within ecosystems to naturally regulate pest numbers.