Which of the following is a benefit of effective pest management strategies?

Effective pest management strategies play a crucial role in agriculture and ecological health, and one of the primary benefits is increased crop yields. This occurs because effective management reduces the populations of pests that can damage crops, leading to healthier plants and more abundant harvests. By implementing controlled pest management techniques, farmers can protect their crops from various pests, ensuring that more of the plants survive and reach maturity. This not only optimizes the quantity of produce but can also improve the quality, leading to better market prices and overall economic benefits for the farmers.

In contrast, other options highlight negative outcomes or scenarios that do not align with the objectives of effective pest management. For instance, reduced biodiversity does not contribute positively to ecosystem health and can occur when pest control leads to the decline of non-target species. Higher reliance on chemical inputs can result in environmental concerns and potential resistance issues, negatively impacting long-term pest control strategies. Lastly, while shortening the lifespan of pest species might seem beneficial in terms of controlling populations, it doesn't take into account the ecological balance and the adaptability of pest species, which might lead to unintended consequences such as the emergence of more resilient pest populations.