Which statement correctly defines narrow spectrum pesticides?

Which statement correctly defines narrow spectrum pesticides?

• A. Controls a particular life stage of a pest.
• B. Kills all pests indiscriminately.
• C. Remains active for years in all environments.
• D. Has no effect on pests.

Answer: (A)

Narrow-spectrum pesticides are designed to affect only a limited group of organisms, often a single pest species or a specific life stage of a pest. The statement that best captures this idea is that the product controls a particular life stage of a pest. By targeting just one developmental stage—such as larvae or eggs—the pesticide minimizes effects on other stages or on non-target organisms, which is a hallmark of narrow-spectrum products. The other ideas describe different properties. Staying active for years speaks to persistence or residual activity, not to which organisms are affected. Saying the product has no effect contradicts its purpose as a pesticide.

Narrow-spectrum pesticides are designed to affect only a limited group of organisms, often a single pest species or a specific life stage of a pest. The statement that best captures this idea is that the product controls a particular life stage of a pest. By targeting just one developmental stage—such as larvae or eggs—the pesticide minimizes effects on other stages or on non-target organisms, which is a hallmark of narrow-spectrum products.

The other ideas describe different properties. Staying active for years speaks to persistence or residual activity, not to which organisms are affected. Saying the product has no effect contradicts its purpose as a pesticide.