EXAM 1 Q&A Flashcards
Origin of Energy on the earth
THE SUN
simplicity
mass production
high crop yield
lowers food cost
Monoculture pros
high fertilizer use loss of biodiversity contributes to pollution pests are more likely dependency uses more water
Monoculture Cons
- GMO’S What are they? 2. What does this stand for? 3.examples?
- Insertion of a gene to introduce a new characteristic or alter an existing trait. Human Influence.
- Genetically Modified Organism
- potatoes, soy bean, corn, glow in the dark fish, tomatoes
1.what are the other farming methods?
- Permaculture, Organic Farming, Conventional Farming, backyard farming
public perception of biotechnology/con of GMOS
unsafe. Not tested enough. Uniformed consumers. misleading news. These things tie together to cause a negative connotation to be associated with biotechnology/GMO’s. A lot of individuals who are against it, don’t fully know what it is. We are afraid of what we don’t understand
uses tools in plants/genetic
increases crop yields
reduces crop loss/waste
reduction in fertilizer use
pros of Biotechnology/GMO
favorable traits for survival/reproduction
selection pressure is exerted by the environment
slow generation of new species
wide scale
diversity promoting force
outbreeding is common: hybrids
natural Selection
selective breeding for desirable traits to humans
selection pressure exerted by humans
doesn’t increase survival in natural environments
quick generation of new species/varieties
genetic diversity lowered
inbreeding/cloning for desired traits
Goldendoodle, labradoodle, teacup pigs, teacup dogs
Artificial selection
biodiversity at different scales
species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity
why is biodiversity essential?
- ensuring production of food, fiber fuel fodder…
- allowing adaptation to changing conditions
- sustaining lively hood
- maintaining ecosystem services.
nutrient cycling, pest disease regulation, pollination and erosion control, climate regulation and carbon sequestration.
Provisioning services, using to many can…?
Can lead to loss of regulating, supporting and cultural resources and all over loss of biodiversity
nature/process of science
science is built on observation generate questions test possible explanation science has limits scientific knowledge is uncertain science can be misused/done poorly VERY social process
In agriculture, sustainability is a complex idea with many facets, including the economic (a sustainable farm should be a profitable business that contributes to a robust economy), the social (it should deal fairly with its workers and have a mutually beneficial relationship with the surrounding community), and the environmental.
Building and maintaining healthy soil
Managing water wisely
Minimizing air, water, and climate pollution
Promoting biodiversity
Sustainable Agriculture
potato-control over the environment
relationship to potato began in the Andes
took the potato to Europe grew one type, Lumper
Monoculture-lead to pests-causing the potato blight
Showed the importance of biodiversity
New Leaf Potato by Monsanto in 1995 sought to kill pests with fewer toxins by exploiting advances in biotechnology. But consumers became concerned about possible side effects and it was taken off the market.
Organic yields are lower but so are the costs they save money on chemicals. Pollan says this is the way to go if you are willing to abandon monoculture.
Botany of Desire
- Check for previous work
- Go upstream to the source (original source)
- Read laterally: read what other say about the source
- circle back
check your emotions
fact Checking
2 types of artificial selection
genetic engineering and selective breeding
