Selective herbicides are chemicals designed to target specific types of plants while leaving others unharmed. This makes them particularly useful in agriculture and landscaping, where controlling unwanted weeds without damaging crops or desirable plants is essential. These herbicides work by exploiting differences in plant physiology, allowing them to disrupt the growth of certain weeds. By using selective herbicides, farmers can maintain healthy crops and improve yields, all while minimizing the impact on the surrounding ecosystem.