# Describe how farmers can use biological control to reduce crop losses caused by pests.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 6.4 Biological challenges of increasing food yields · Describe · 4 marks

> Farmers face the challenge of increasing food yields to feed a growing global population. Pests can destroy crops and significantly reduce the amount of food available for harvest.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A natural predator / parasite / pathogen of the pest is introduced
2. The natural predator / parasite / pathogen reduces the pest population / kills the pest
3. This reduces damage to crops / less crop is eaten by the pest
4. An advantage over pesticides: no chemical pollution / pesticide residues do not enter the food chain / environment

## Key terms

- [biological control](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/biological-control)
- [pest](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pest)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-farmers-can-use-biological-acb1c13e) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.