Which of the following is an example of a mechanical control measure?

Using traps to catch and reduce populations of pests exemplifies a mechanical control measure because it relies on physical methods to manage pest populations. Mechanical control focuses on direct actions that physically remove pests or make the environment inhospitable to them. Traps can effectively target specific pests, capturing them without the use of chemicals, thus providing a targeted and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management.

This method can be part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, where combining various control methods enhances pest control effectiveness while minimizing risks to non-target organisms and the environment. The use of traps aligns with the principles of IPM, particularly its emphasis on monitoring and evaluating pest populations.

In contrast, applying chemical pesticides involves chemical means, which are not classified as mechanical controls. Planting pest-resistant crop varieties and introducing natural predators are also biological approaches, aiming to enhance the resilience of crops or reduce pest numbers through ecological interactions rather than physical removal.