True or False? A pesticide is any substance which reduces, prevents, repels or eliminates pests.

The definition of a pesticide indeed encompasses any substance that is used to reduce, prevent, repel, or eliminate pests. This broad classification includes not only insecticides that specifically target insects but also herbicides for weeds, fungicides for fungal issues, and various other types of pest control agents. Thus, a substance is considered a pesticide if it fulfills any of these functions against a range of pests, which can include insects, weeds, fungi, or even rodents.

The reason this statement is true is that pesticides serve a vital role in agriculture and pest management, contributing to increased crop yields, protection of plants, and management of disease-carrying organisms. The definition is inclusive of all types of pest control substances, regardless of their organic or synthetic origins, and is not limited to specific groups of pests such as insects. This is why the assertion that any substance that performs these pest control functions qualifies as a pesticide is accurate.