What term describes an herbicide that kills one species of plant while leaving another unaffected?

The term "selective" pertains to herbicides specifically designed to target and eliminate certain species of plants while leaving others unharmed. This characteristic is essential for maintaining desired plants, such as crops or ornamental species, in environments where unwanted weeds may also be present. The selective nature of these herbicides allows for efficient weed control without causing damage to beneficial or non-target plants, making them invaluable in agricultural and landscape management.

In contrast, non-selective herbicides affect all plant types indiscriminately, while systemic herbicides are absorbed and transported throughout the plant to kill it, regardless of whether they are selective or non-selective. Contact herbicides act by destroying plant tissue on contact, without any specific targeting, which again is different from the selective properties described in the correct answer. Thus, understanding the concept of selective herbicides is crucial for effective and responsible pest management.