Which pesticide is selective?

Which pesticide is selective?

• A. Kills all pests.
• B. Targets specific pests.
• C. Is persistent and broad-spectrum.
• D. Is used indoors only.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is selectivity: a selective pesticide is designed to affect only specific pests while leaving other organisms largely unharmed. That’s why the best choice says it targets specific pests—it describes a product whose action is focused on particular pests rather than a broad range. This contrasts with a non-selective or broad-spectrum approach, which would kill a wide variety of pests and often harm beneficial insects and other non-target organisms. A statement describing persistence and broad-spectrum use signals a non-selective, wide-ranging effect rather than targeted action. A note about being used indoors only doesn’t address which pests are affected, so it doesn’t define selectivity.

The main idea here is selectivity: a selective pesticide is designed to affect only specific pests while leaving other organisms largely unharmed. That’s why the best choice says it targets specific pests—it describes a product whose action is focused on particular pests rather than a broad range.

This contrasts with a non-selective or broad-spectrum approach, which would kill a wide variety of pests and often harm beneficial insects and other non-target organisms. A statement describing persistence and broad-spectrum use signals a non-selective, wide-ranging effect rather than targeted action. A note about being used indoors only doesn’t address which pests are affected, so it doesn’t define selectivity.