Broad-spectrum pesticides may harm

• A. Only pests
• B. Beneficial plants or animals
• C. Soil organisms only
• D. Aquatic life only

Answer: (B)

Broad-spectrum pesticides are designed to kill a wide range of pests, not just a single species. Because of that broad activity, they can affect non-target organisms as well. They may harm beneficial insects that help keep pest numbers in check, disturb soil-dwelling organisms that support soil health, and even impact animals and plants that aren’t pests. If residues reach water, aquatic life can be harmed too. That broader impact is what makes this option the best choice: these products can harm beneficial organisms, not just the pests. The other ideas imply a narrower effect (only pests, only soil life, or only aquatic life), which isn’t accurate for broad-spectrum products.