Which statement describes broad spectrum pesticides?

Which statement describes broad spectrum pesticides?

• A. They only target a single pest species.
• B. They are often hazardous to non-target organisms.
• C. They are always safe for beneficial insects.
• D. They never leave residues in the soil.

Answer: (B)

Broad spectrum pesticides affect a wide range of organisms, not just a single pest. Because their activity isn’t limited to one species, they are often hazardous to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, natural enemies, pollinators, and other wildlife. That makes the statement describing broad spectrum pesticides as often hazardous to non-target organisms the best fit. The other ideas don’t align with how these products work: they don’t target only one pest, they aren’t inherently safe for beneficial insects, and residues can persist in the environment rather than never appearing at all.

Broad spectrum pesticides affect a wide range of organisms, not just a single pest. Because their activity isn’t limited to one species, they are often hazardous to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, natural enemies, pollinators, and other wildlife. That makes the statement describing broad spectrum pesticides as often hazardous to non-target organisms the best fit. The other ideas don’t align with how these products work: they don’t target only one pest, they aren’t inherently safe for beneficial insects, and residues can persist in the environment rather than never appearing at all.