# Explain how using biological control can help improve food security.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 9.2 Food security · Explain · 4 marks

> Farmers lose a significant proportion of their crops each year to pests such as insects and fungi. One approach to reducing these losses is biological control, which involves introducing a natural predator or pathogen to reduce pest populations.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Biological control involves introducing a natural predator (or pathogen/parasite) to reduce the numbers of a pest species
2. This reduces the pest population, so less of the crop is damaged or destroyed
3. A greater crop yield means more food is produced / available
4. Unlike pesticides, biological control does not leave chemical residues on crops / does not harm non-target organisms / is a long-term, self-sustaining method — so it is a sustainable way to maintain food security

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-using-biological-control-can-3ada7c9b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.