Which term describes pesticides that are more toxic to some kinds of plants or animals than to others?

Which term describes pesticides that are more toxic to some kinds of plants or animals than to others?

• A. Protectants
• B. Selective
• C. Contacts
• D. Preemergence

Answer: (B)

Selective toxicity is the idea that a pesticide can be more harmful to certain species than to others. When a product is described as selective, it targets a particular pest group while causing less damage to non-target plants or animals, allowing effective control with reduced collateral harm. The other terms describe different aspects: protectants create a barrier that protects plant tissue rather than relying on differential toxicity, a contact pesticide works mainly by killing pests that touch it, and preemergence refers to timing—applied before weeds germinate. So the best answer reflects the concept of differential toxicity across species.

Selective toxicity is the idea that a pesticide can be more harmful to certain species than to others. When a product is described as selective, it targets a particular pest group while causing less damage to non-target plants or animals, allowing effective control with reduced collateral harm. The other terms describe different aspects: protectants create a barrier that protects plant tissue rather than relying on differential toxicity, a contact pesticide works mainly by killing pests that touch it, and preemergence refers to timing—applied before weeds germinate. So the best answer reflects the concept of differential toxicity across species.