Which type of herbicide should be applied over an extensive area where specific weeds are targeted?

The correct answer is a selective herbicide because it is designed to target specific types of weeds while minimizing harm to surrounding plants. This characteristic makes selective herbicides ideal for use in extensive areas where certain weeds are the focus of control efforts. By targeting specific weed species, these herbicides allow for the preservation of desirable plants, such as crops or ornamental species, within the same area.

Nonpersistent herbicides do not fit this scenario as they break down quickly in the environment, which may be appropriate for immediate weed control but does not ensure long-term effectiveness or specific targeting in extensive applications.

Translocated herbicides are absorbed by the plant and move throughout its system, which can be effective for perennial weeds but may not be suitable for large-scale area applications where broad-spectrum weed control is needed.

Soil-applied herbicides act by being incorporated into the soil and controlling germinating seeds, which might not effectively target existing weeds in an established area where specific weed control is required.