Which of these is an example of a synthetic organic pesticide?

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Sevin, which is commonly known as carbaryl, is an example of a synthetic organic pesticide. It belongs to the class of carbamate insecticides, which are man-made compounds designed to control a variety of pests. Synthetic organic pesticides like Sevin are developed through chemical synthesis to provide effective pest control, often with a specific mode of action that targets the nervous systems of insects.

Carbaryl specifically works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which leads to the disruption of normal nerve function in insects. This synthetic approach contrasts with other options in the list, such as spinosad, which is derived from a naturally occurring soil bacterium, and pyrethrin, which is extracted from chrysanthemum flowers and is considered a natural insecticide. Each of these other chemicals operates on different principles and is not classified as a synthetic organic pesticide.