Which of the following is an example of a herbicide?

A herbicide is a type of chemical used specifically to kill or inhibit the growth of unwanted plants, commonly known as weeds. The correct answer identifies a substance that targets plants, which aligns perfectly with the definition of a herbicide.

Herbicides are widely utilized in agriculture and gardening to manage unwanted vegetation, allowing crops to grow without competition for resources. The effectiveness of herbicides often comes from their ability to disrupt specific biological processes in plants, which are different from those in animals and other organisms. Such targeting helps protect desirable crops while controlling invasive or harmful plant species.

In contrast, substances that target insects, fungi, or rats serve different purposes. Insecticides are designed to deal with insects, fungicides target fungal pathogens, and rodenticides work against rodent populations. Each of these substances is tailored to address specific kinds of pests or pathogens, thereby highlighting the specialized function of herbicides in managing vegetation.