Which of the following practices is integral to the biological revolution in agriculture?

The practice that is integral to the biological revolution in agriculture is the research into natural pest predators. This approach emphasizes the use of biological control methods, which rely on harnessing the natural relationships between organisms to manage pests and diseases in crop production. By studying and implementing the use of natural predators, such as beneficial insects like ladybugs or parasitic wasps, farmers can reduce their reliance on synthetic chemicals, leading to a more sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural system.

Integrating natural pest predators helps to maintain ecosystem balance and promotes biodiversity, which is central to the philosophy of the biological revolution. This strategy not only targets pest populations but also enhances the overall health of the agricultural environment, making it more resilient.

Other practices mentioned, such as monoculture farming, increased synthetic pesticide usage, and standardization of crop varieties, typically do not align with the principles of the biological revolution. Monoculture can lead to vulnerability in crops and increased pest pressure, while synthetic pesticides often disrupt natural controls and can harm beneficial organisms. Standardization of crop varieties may also reduce genetic diversity, making crops more susceptible to pests and diseases, which further emphasizes the need for biological methods like utilizing natural pest predators.