What does the term "biological control" refer to?

The term "biological control" specifically refers to the practice of using natural predators or parasites to manage pest populations. This method relies on harnessing existing ecological relationships to reduce pests without the use of synthetic chemicals. For instance, introducing ladybugs into a garden can help control aphid populations, as ladybugs are natural predators of aphids.

Biological control is seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pest management, as it minimizes the potential for chemical residues in the environment and reduces the risk of harming beneficial insects. This approach emphasizes sustainability and can contribute to the biodiversity of agricultural systems.

The other options highlight different pest management techniques that do not fall under the category of biological control. For instance, the use of chemicals to kill pests involves synthetic pesticides, which contrasts with the natural methods of biological control. The application of pesticides in a controlled environment refers to the targeted use of chemicals, and engineering pest-resistant crops involves genetic modification or selective breeding, which focuses on enhancing plant resilience rather than controlling pests through natural means.