What are the two primary methods of controlling pests?

The correct choice identifies biological control and chemical control as two primary methods of pest management.

Biological control involves utilizing natural predators, parasitoids, or pathogens to manage pest populations. This method aims to enhance the existing ecosystem's natural mechanisms to keep pests in check, allowing for sustainable agricultural practices. For instance, the introduction of ladybugs to control aphid populations is a classic example of biological control.

Chemical control, on the other hand, refers to the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides to eliminate pests. These chemicals can be highly effective and allow for rapid control of pest outbreaks, making them a common choice in agriculture when pest populations reach damaging levels. However, reliance on chemical methods can lead to resistance and environmental concerns, highlighting the need for integrated pest management strategies.

While the other methods like cultural and physical control can be effective in certain contexts, they are typically regarded as complementary rather than primary methods. Cultural control involves altering farming practices to prevent pest establishment, while physical control encompasses barriers and traps to manage pests directly. Understanding both primary methods—biological and chemical—provides a foundational approach to pest management in agriculture.