PCA-VERTEBRATES CERTIFICATION EXAM
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
GRADED A+
◉ Other then the likelihood of success against the target animals, what
should be consider too before using measures? Answer: the possible
impact on the total system, particularly against non-target animals
◉ In what way do vertebrate animals differ from insects and
earthworms? Answer: they have a jointed spinal column composed of a
series of bones called vertebrae, include fish, reptiles, birds, and
mammals
◉ Give the definition of an agricultural vertebrate pest? Answer: any
native or introduced wild or feral, non-human vertebrate animal that
limits or decreases yield potential of agricultural or natural resource
products
◉ What is a major yield constraint of sheep? Answer: mountain lion but
keeps ecological control of elk and deer
◉ Should a PCA strive to eliminate every member of pest population?
Answer: they should strive to minimize agricultural economic loss as
they bring pest populations down to acceptable levels
, ◉ Most problems with vertebrates occur as result of what? Answer:
habitat modification and it is this modification that permits some species
to increase in number to the point that they compete with human interest
◉ PCA should be familiar with what before control is initiated. Answer:
taxonomy
distribution biology
natural history
behavioral characteristics
◉ What is the primary goal of any vertebrate pest control program in an
agricultural production system? Answer: alleviate the pest problem
while protecting non-target plants and animals
◉ What can happen with improper control methods. Answer: it may not
only create deserved criticism from the public but also stimulate
emotional opposition to any control , regardless of the the justification
◉ what are the five basic steps for solving a vertebrate problem?
Answer: 1. define problem
2.identify the species involved
3.determine the potential environmental impact and human relationship
involved
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
GRADED A+
◉ Other then the likelihood of success against the target animals, what
should be consider too before using measures? Answer: the possible
impact on the total system, particularly against non-target animals
◉ In what way do vertebrate animals differ from insects and
earthworms? Answer: they have a jointed spinal column composed of a
series of bones called vertebrae, include fish, reptiles, birds, and
mammals
◉ Give the definition of an agricultural vertebrate pest? Answer: any
native or introduced wild or feral, non-human vertebrate animal that
limits or decreases yield potential of agricultural or natural resource
products
◉ What is a major yield constraint of sheep? Answer: mountain lion but
keeps ecological control of elk and deer
◉ Should a PCA strive to eliminate every member of pest population?
Answer: they should strive to minimize agricultural economic loss as
they bring pest populations down to acceptable levels
, ◉ Most problems with vertebrates occur as result of what? Answer:
habitat modification and it is this modification that permits some species
to increase in number to the point that they compete with human interest
◉ PCA should be familiar with what before control is initiated. Answer:
taxonomy
distribution biology
natural history
behavioral characteristics
◉ What is the primary goal of any vertebrate pest control program in an
agricultural production system? Answer: alleviate the pest problem
while protecting non-target plants and animals
◉ What can happen with improper control methods. Answer: it may not
only create deserved criticism from the public but also stimulate
emotional opposition to any control , regardless of the the justification
◉ what are the five basic steps for solving a vertebrate problem?
Answer: 1. define problem
2.identify the species involved
3.determine the potential environmental impact and human relationship
involved
