Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Which pests are often introduced to new areas through human activities?

1. Native pests

2. Invasive pests

3. Beneficial pests

4. Seasonal pests

The correct answer is: Invasive pests

Invasive pests are often introduced to new areas through human activities. This typically occurs through trade, travel, or agricultural practices that transport pests from one region to another. Invasive pests can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt local ecosystems, and cause significant economic damage. They thrive in their new environments due to a lack of natural predators and can rapidly reproduce, leading to population explosions. In contrast, native pests are those that are naturally present in a given environment and have co-evolved with local plants and animals. Beneficial pests, such as certain insects that help control other pest populations, do not contribute to the introduction of new pests into areas. Seasonal pests are typically those that are present in a region only during specific times of the year, often tied to environmental changes, and do not involve human introduction. Overall, it is the invasive pests that pose the greatest concern regarding the introduction to new areas due to human influence.