Which of the following is a characteristic of narrow-spectrum pesticides?

Narrow-spectrum pesticides are specifically formulated to target particular types of pests while minimizing impact on non-target organisms. This design allows these pesticides to effectively manage populations of harmful pests, such as certain insects or weeds, without disrupting the balance of beneficial species in the ecosystem. By focusing their action on specific pests, narrow-spectrum pesticides help to reduce potential harm to beneficial insects like pollinators and predators, which play vital roles in agriculture and environmental health.

In contrast, broad-spectrum pesticides would be effective against a wide range of pests, which can lead to undesirable side effects, including the harm of beneficial species. Other aspects such as toxicity to humans and the degree of harm to beneficial insects are secondary and do not define the primary characteristic that distinguishes narrow-spectrum pesticides. Such considerations may vary based on specific pesticides rather than being an inherent trait of narrow-spectrum formulations. Thus, the focus on targeting specific pests is the defining feature of narrow-spectrum pesticides.