Answer :
Final answer:
Effective methods of controlling pests based on biological principles include the use of predators, parasitoids, pathogens, and biological pesticides. These methods leverage natural relationships and functions to manage pest populations in an environmentally friendly manner, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical interventions.
Explanation:
Mentioning four effective methods of controlling pests, which are less harmful to the environment based on biological principles, reveals a sustainable approach to pest management. These methods leverage the naturally occurring relationships between organisms to maintain pest populations at manageable levels without or with minimal use of chemicals.
- Predators: Introducing or encouraging the presence of natural predators in an ecosystem can effectively control pest populations. Examples include ladybugs to manage aphid populations and birds to control insects.
- Parasitoids: Release or cultivation of parasitoids such as wasps, which lay their eggs in or on the pest insect, can be a targeted approach. The developing wasp larva consumes the host insect, thus controlling the pest population.
- Pathogens: Utilizing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which cause diseases specific to the pest species, can naturally inhibit or reduce pest numbers without adversely impacting non-target species.
- Biological pesticides: These are natural or genetically modified agents, including specific bacterial strains or substances derived from plants that target and control pests while being safer for people, pets, and the environment.
These methods, among others, exemplify the core principles of biological control by employing nature's own checks and balances, aiming for a sustainable and eco-friendly pest management strategy.
