Pesticide pollution can help a pest you are trying to destroy by killing predators and parasites of the pest. True or False?

Pesticide pollution can indeed help a pest by unintentionally eliminating its natural predators and parasites, creating a more favorable environment for the pest to thrive. This phenomenon occurs because when pesticides are applied, they may kill not only the targeted pest but also a range of non-target organisms, including beneficial insects that naturally control pest populations. As a result, the reduction or elimination of these natural enemies can allow the pest to proliferate unchecked, leading to potential outbreaks.

Systemic pesticides, while effective against pests, are less likely to affect predators if they are not directly consuming the treated pest or plants, which makes the assertion in the choice that it only happens with systemic pesticides misleading. Additionally, pesticide effects are not confined to large agricultural fields; they can occur in various environments where pesticides are applied. Thus, the statement regarding pesticide pollution leading to increased pest populations is true.