Vectors can include which of the following?

Vectors are organisms that carry and transmit pathogens to other living organisms, often playing a significant role in the spread of diseases. The correct choice highlights that vectors may encompass both plants and animals that can facilitate this transmission.

Insects, such as mosquitoes or ticks, are common vectors for diseases like malaria or Lyme disease. Additionally, certain plants can act as vectors, particularly in the context of plant pathogens, helping spread diseases among crops. This broad definition is essential in understanding how disease transmission occurs in various ecosystems.

The other options narrow the scope unnecessarily. Only mentioning insects and rodents excludes important vectors like birds or other animals. Limiting vectors to mammals forgets other critical carriers among the animal kingdom. Saying "any type of pesticide" is misleading, as pesticides are substances used to eliminate pests but are not vectors themselves; they do not transmit pathogens. Thus, the focus on both plants and animals in the correct answer emphasizes the diverse range of organisms that can act as vectors in disease transmission.