Question

Which of these is an example of a Biological Disaster?

• A. Oil Spills
• B. Pest Infestations
• C. Heat Waves
• D. Dam Bursts

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Pest Infestations

Biological disasters are events involving the release or spread of harmful biological agents, organisms, or toxins that cause disease, death, or damage to human health, agriculture, or the environment.

• Pest Infestations: These qualify as biological disasters because they involve the rapid and widespread proliferation of organisms (pests like insects, rodents, or certain plants) that cause significant harm.

  • Impact on Agriculture: Large-scale pest infestations (e.g., locust swarms destroying crops) can lead to widespread food shortages, economic devastation, and famine.

  • Impact on Health: Some pests carry and transmit diseases (e.g., mosquitoes carrying malaria, rats carrying plague), leading to epidemics or pandemics.

  • Ecological Impact: Invasive species, a type of biological pest, can decimate native ecosystems and biodiversity.

Other examples of biological disasters include:

• Epidemics and Pandemics: Widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19, Ebola, influenza).

• Bioterrorism: The intentional release of biological agents to cause harm.

• Disease Outbreaks in Livestock/Wildlife: Widespread animal diseases that can impact food supply or ecosystems.