Agriculture and Climate Change Flashcards
What is the Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification system used for?
To classify the world’s climates based on temperature, precipitation, and seasonal patterns.
Name two key factors that determine which crops grow in a specific area.
Base temperature and precipitation.
What is the base temperature for wheat and maize growth?
Wheat: 0°C; Maize: 10°C.
How does climate change impact crop production?
It affects temperature, rainfall patterns, pest migration, and increases extreme weather events.
What are the three main types of photosynthetic pathways?
C3, C4, and CAM.
Which photosynthetic pathway is most efficient in water conservation?
CAM (e.g., pineapple, cacti).
What is the predicted decrease in yield for maize, rice, and wheat with a 1°C increase in temperature?
Maize: 6.0%; Rice: 3.2%; Wheat: 7.4%.
What is the main contributor to greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture?
Livestock production, contributing 21% of agriculture-related emissions.
Name two impacts of extreme weather events on agriculture.
Reduced crop yields and increased pest infestations.
What happens to plants during heat stress?
Impaired carbon metabolism, reduced reproductive development, and increased susceptibility to breakages.
How do nighttime temperatures affect rice yields?
Grain yield declines by 10% for each 1°C increase due to higher nighttime respiration.
Why has maize cultivation expanded northward?
Its C4 photosynthesis efficiency and high-quality animal feed production.
What percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions is attributed to the food system?
Approximately 35%.
How does increased temperature influence pests and diseases?
Pests migrate to northern latitudes, and ectotherms require more food, increasing crop damage.
What are silvopastoral systems?
Mixed crop-livestock systems that integrate trees, crops, and animals to enhance sustainability.
