What is considered a pest?

A pest is defined as an undesirable organism that harms humans, crops, or livestock. This definition encompasses various organisms, including insects, weeds, fungi, and pathogens that can negatively impact agricultural productivity or pose health risks to humans. The concept of a pest is directly tied to its detrimental effects rather than its inherent characteristics.

In contrast, the other choices describe organisms that are either beneficial or neutral in effect. For instance, beneficial organisms can enhance crop growth by pollination or pest control, while harmless organisms do not pose threats to human health or agricultural outputs. Therefore, identifying pests is crucial for effective pest management strategies, helping to protect both human health and agricultural sustainability.