Which type of pesticide moves within the plant or animal to provide protection?

The correct answer is systemic, as systemic pesticides are designed to be absorbed by the plant or animal they are applied to. Once absorbed, they move through the tissues and provide protection from pests that feed on or invade those tissues. This type of pesticide offers long-lasting protection because it becomes an integral part of the plant or animal's biological system, helping to control pests effectively over time.

In contrast, contact pesticides only affect pests that come into direct contact with the applied areas; they do not move within the plant or animal. Selective pesticides target specific types of pests while leaving others unharmed, but they do not inherently involve movement throughout the plant. Residual pesticides remain active on surfaces for a certain period, impacting pests that come into contact with them, but like contact pesticides, they lack the internal movement characteristic of systemic options. Understanding the differences between these types of pesticides is crucial for effective pest management strategies.