Which type of pesticide is absorbed and translocated within a plant or animal?

A systemic pesticide is designed to be absorbed by a plant or animal and then translocated throughout its tissues. This means that once the pesticide enters the organism, it can move to various parts, providing protection against pests that may not come into direct contact with the pesticide application site. This translocation allows systemic pesticides to effectively target pests that feed on or infest the entire plant or organism, making them particularly useful in managing a wide range of pests.

In contrast, contact pesticides only affect pests that come into direct contact with them and do not move within the plant or animal. Residual pesticides have a lasting effect on surfaces and can remain active for some time but do not penetrate into the plant or animal to distribute internally. Surface pesticides are applied to the surface of a plant or soil and likewise do not have systemic properties, relying on contact for efficacy. Thus, the defining characteristic of a systemic pesticide is its ability to be absorbed and distributed within a living organism, making it highly effective for comprehensive pest management.