Which of the following describes biological control in pest management?

Biological control in pest management refers to the use of natural enemies to manage pest populations. This approach involves harnessing the natural predation, parasitism, or disease caused by these natural enemies, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, to reduce the numbers of harmful pests. For example, introducing ladybugs to control aphid populations or using specific fungi to target certain pest insects exemplifies this method.

The essence of biological control lies in its reliance on ecological relationships and the balance of ecosystems, rather than the direct application of chemicals, which is why this choice correctly identifies the concept. This method is preferred in many sustainable agriculture practices due to its ability to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, minimize environmental impact, and promote biodiversity.