QAL Laws & Regulation Practice Exam

Which method is most appropriate for reducing pest populations while allowing natural predators to thrive?

1. Suppression

2. Eradication

3. Monitoring

4. Biological control

The correct answer is: Suppression

The most appropriate method for reducing pest populations while allowing natural predators to thrive is biological control. This approach focuses on using natural enemies or predators to manage pest populations in a way that does not harm or disrupt the broader ecosystem. Biological control involves introducing or enhancing the populations of beneficial organisms that can naturally control pest species. For example, predators, parasites, or pathogens might be used to keep pest numbers low, creating a balance that promotes the health of the ecosystem. While suppression is about reducing the number of pests, it may involve tactics that could potentially harm non-target species or disrupt the predator-prey dynamics that are crucial in a natural ecosystem. Eradication aims to completely eliminate a pest population, which could further destabilize the environment and remove the food sources needed by predators. Monitoring is essential for understanding pest populations and informing decision-making but does not actively reduce pest levels on its own. Thus, biological control stands out as the most suitable method when the goal is to manage pest populations sustainably while fostering the presence of natural predators.