Which of the following does the term "pesticide" encompass?

The term "pesticide" is used to broadly refer to substances that are intended to eliminate or control various pests, including insects, weeds, fungi, and rodents. This definition includes not only insecticides, which are specifically designed to target insect populations, but also herbicides, which combat unwanted plants, fungicides for fungal pests, and rodenticides used to manage rodent issues.

By understanding that pesticides cover a wide range of substances, it becomes clear why the correct choice encompasses all four types: insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides. This comprehensive perspective is crucial for anyone dealing with pest management, as it highlights the diverse applications and active ingredients that may be used in pest control products. The other options are incomplete, as they focus on only a subset of what pesticides include, therefore failing to represent the full scope of the term.