Which of the following describes the effects that occur away from the point of contact with a pesticide?

The term that best describes the effects that occur away from the point of contact with a pesticide is "systemic." When a pesticide is systemic, it means that after application, it is absorbed by the plant or animal and is then distributed throughout its tissues. This allows the chemical to have effects not just where it was applied but also in other parts of the organism.

For instance, in plants, systemic pesticides can be taken up by the roots and move through the plant’s vascular system, providing protection to various parts of the plant, including areas that were not directly treated. This is particularly useful for managing pests that feed on parts of the plant that cannot be easily reached with topical applications.

Local effects, in contrast, are limited to the area where the pesticide is applied, meaning they do not extend beyond that direct contact zone. Acute and chronic refer to the duration and timing of exposure to toxic substances—acute pertains to short-term exposure, while chronic involves long-term exposure—but these terms do not specifically address the issue of effects occurring away from the initial contact site. Therefore, systemic is the most accurate descriptor for such effects.