All Flashcards
Define the Green Revolution.
A major push to increase agricultural production worldwide starting in the late 1960s.
Who is Norman Borlaug?
Plant breeder, 'Father of the Green Revolution,' developed high-yielding crop varieties.
What are GMOs?
Organisms whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering.
Define industrial agriculture.
Focuses on efficiency and high yields, often involving large-scale monoculture.
Define sustainable agriculture.
Aims to minimize environmental impact, emphasizes crop rotation and integrated pest management.
What is monoculture?
Growing a single crop on a large scale.
Define herbicide tolerance.
The ability of a crop to survive exposure to herbicides.
What is pest resistance?
The ability of a crop to withstand or repel pests, reducing the need for pesticides.
Define selective breeding.
Choosing plants with desirable traits over generations to enhance those traits.
What is fertilizer runoff?
Excess fertilizers that flow into waterways, causing pollution and eutrophication.
How can crop rotation promote sustainability?
Improves soil health, reduces pest pressure, and increases biodiversity, minimizing environmental impact.
How can integrated pest management (IPM) promote sustainability?
Reduces reliance on chemical pesticides by using biological controls and other methods.
How can cover cropping promote sustainability?
Protects soil from erosion, improves soil fertility, and suppresses weeds.
How can reducing food waste promote sustainability?
Decreases demand for agricultural production, conserves resources, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
How can promoting local food systems promote sustainability?
Reduces transportation emissions, supports local economies, and increases access to fresh food.
How can using organic farming practices promote sustainability?
Avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, improving soil health and reducing environmental pollution.
How can conserving water in agriculture promote sustainability?
Reduces water scarcity, protects aquatic ecosystems, and improves irrigation efficiency.
How can promoting agroforestry promote sustainability?
Integrates trees into agricultural systems, improving soil health, sequestering carbon, and providing habitat for wildlife.
How can supporting small-scale farmers promote sustainability?
Preserves traditional farming practices, promotes biodiversity, and strengthens rural communities.
How can reducing meat consumption promote sustainability?
Decreases demand for livestock production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and land use.
What was the primary goal of the Green Revolution?
To increase food production to address growing populations and food shortages.
What are the key components of the Green Revolution?
Developing high-yielding crops, using fertilizers/pesticides, and improving irrigation.
What is the main difference between industrial and sustainable agriculture?
Industrial agriculture prioritizes efficiency and high yields, while sustainable agriculture minimizes environmental impact.
What are the benefits of GMOs?
Improved crop quality, pest resistance, and herbicide tolerance.
What are the concerns about GMOs?
Potential health effects and environmental impacts, like herbicide-resistant weeds.
How does the Green Revolution relate to petroleum?
Modern farming relies heavily on petroleum-based fuels, contributing to climate change.
What is the impact of the Green Revolution on traditional farms?
The shift towards industrial agriculture has led to the decline of traditional family farms.
How does agriculture contribute to climate change?
Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions through fertilizer use, machinery, and land clearing.
What is the role of crop rotation in sustainable agriculture?
Crop rotation helps improve soil health, reduce pest and disease pressure, and increase biodiversity.
Why is biodiversity important in agriculture?
Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, reduces vulnerability to pests and diseases, and supports pollination.