True or False: Pesticide pollution can destroy predators and parasites of the pest you are trying to eliminate.

The statement is true. Pesticide pollution can indeed destroy predators and parasites of the pests that are targeted for elimination. When pesticides are applied to control pest populations, they do not exclusively affect only the intended pest species. In many cases, these chemicals can also harm beneficial organisms, including natural predators and parasites that help maintain ecological balance.

Predators and parasites play crucial roles in controlling pest populations naturally, and their reduction can lead to an increase in pest numbers, potentially creating a cycle of dependency on chemical treatments. This phenomenon is particularly concerning in agricultural ecosystems, where the over-reliance on pesticides can result in a disruption of local biodiversity and the functioning of the ecosystem.

The other options do not capture the broader ecological impacts of pesticide use, as pesticide pollution is not limited to specific types of pesticides or restricted environments. Pesticides can have far-reaching effects in both terrestrial and aquatic settings, affecting a wide range of organisms beyond the targeted pests.