MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What type of pesticides contain carbon?

1. Organic pesticides

2. Inorganic pesticides

3. Synthetic pesticides

4. Carbonic pesticides

The correct answer is: Organic pesticides

The correct choice is that organic pesticides contain carbon. This is because organic pesticides are derived from natural sources, including plant or animal materials, and these substances are primarily composed of carbon-containing compounds. The definition of "organic" in this context refers specifically to the presence of carbon, which is a fundamental element in the molecular structure of the organic compounds used as pesticides. While it might also be tempting to consider synthetic pesticides as containing carbon, the term "synthetic" refers to the method of production rather than an inherent characteristic. Synthetic pesticides can include carbon-based compounds, but they are not defined by their carbon content; rather, they are defined by their man-made nature as opposed to being derived from natural sources. The term "inorganic pesticides," on the other hand, refers to compounds that do not contain carbon, as they are typically made from minerals or metals. The option "carbonic pesticides" is misleading. While some pesticides may contain carbonic compounds, this term is not commonly used or recognized as a category of pesticides. In summary, organic pesticides are distinctive because they are identified by their carbon content and their natural source, thereby supporting the choice that these pesticides indeed contain carbon.