Which process involves using naturally occurring organisms to manage pest populations?

The process that involves using naturally occurring organisms to manage pest populations is known as biological control. This method relies on the introduction or enhancement of natural predators, parasites, or pathogens that specifically target the pest species. By promoting these beneficial organisms, biological control can effectively reduce pest populations without the need for synthetic chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to pest management.

In contrast, chemical control relies on the use of pesticides to eliminate pests, which can have negative impacts on the ecosystem and non-target species. Physical control involves methods that exclude, trap, or destroy pests without chemicals, such as barriers or traps. Meanwhile, mechanical control refers to the use of physical means, like handpicking or mechanical devices, to remove pests. While these methods can be effective, they do not utilize the natural interactions between organisms as biological control does.