Which of the following statements about pesticides is true?

The statement that some pesticides can be beneficial to ecosystems is accurate because certain pesticides are designed to control specific pest populations that, if left unchecked, could harm crops or disrupt ecological balances. For example, beneficial insects may be saved from harm by selective pesticides, allowing for natural pest control methods to thrive. Additionally, some pesticides can reduce the need for more harmful practices, such as excessive tillage or the use of broad-spectrum chemicals, thereby maintaining soil health and promoting biodiversity.

Understanding the potential benefits of certain pesticides helps highlight their role in integrated pest management (IPM), which aims to use the least harmful methods to control pest populations while also protecting the environment and promoting sustainable agriculture.

The other statements do not accurately represent the complexities of pesticide use and its impacts on health and ecosystems. Not all pesticides are harmful to humans; some have very low toxicity levels. Pesticides do not exclusively affect only target pests, as non-target species can also be impacted. Finally, the decomposition rate of pesticides varies widely, with some persistently remaining in the environment for extended periods.