Which statement best defines a systemic pesticide?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement best defines a systemic pesticide?

Systemic pesticides are absorbed by the treated plant or animal and moved within its system. After uptake, the chemical travels through the plant’s vascular system (and in animals, through circulation) so parts not directly sprayed—like new growth or internal tissues—are protected because the pesticide is present inside. This is what sets systemic products apart from those that stay on the surface and work only by contact. If a pesticide remains only on the surface, it’s not systemic; if it kills pests by touching them, it’s a contact pesticide; and if it degraded instantly, it wouldn’t be able to move inside the organism to provide protection.

Systemic pesticides are absorbed by the treated plant or animal and moved within its system. After uptake, the chemical travels through the plant’s vascular system (and in animals, through circulation) so parts not directly sprayed—like new growth or internal tissues—are protected because the pesticide is present inside. This is what sets systemic products apart from those that stay on the surface and work only by contact. If a pesticide remains only on the surface, it’s not systemic; if it kills pests by touching them, it’s a contact pesticide; and if it degraded instantly, it wouldn’t be able to move inside the organism to provide protection.

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