What organism is referred to as Bt?

Bacillus thuringiensis, commonly abbreviated as Bt, is a soil-dwelling bacterium known for its ability to produce proteins that are toxic to specific insects, particularly certain caterpillars, beetles, and flies. These toxins are often employed as a biological pesticide in agriculture, helping to manage pest populations while reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. The use of Bt is significant in integrated pest management programs, as it is considered to be environmentally friendly and non-toxic to humans, animals, and beneficial insects when used correctly.

Understanding Bt's role is crucial for those studying environmental monitoring, as it touches upon the balance of ecosystems and the effectiveness of sustainable agriculture methods. The other options do not relate closely to the context and abilities of Bt; they refer to different organisms or categories that do not share its specific characteristics or applications in pest control.