What is the difference between a pesticide and a herbicide?

The correct response highlights an essential distinction in the terminology used in pest management. A pesticide is indeed a broad category that encompasses various substances used to control pests, including insects, fungi, and weeds, among others. It serves as an umbrella term that includes different types of control agents.

On the other hand, a herbicide specifically targets weeds, which are unwanted plants that compete with desirable crops for resources. This means that while all herbicides are pesticides (since they are used for pest control), not all pesticides are herbicides. The specificity of herbicides ensures that they effectively manage weed populations without necessarily affecting other types of pests, such as insects. This delineation is significant for proper usage in agriculture and gardening to promote healthy plant growth without harming beneficial organisms.

In contrast to this understanding, the other options present inaccuracies or overly restrictive definitions that do not capture the full scope of what pesticides and herbicides encompass.