Agriculture & The Green Revolution
What is monoculture, and why is it commonly used in industrial agriculture?
Monoculture is the cultivation of a single crop over a large area. It’s used for efficiency and high yields.
Explanation: Monoculture simplifies planting and harvesting but reduces biodiversity and can increase pest outbreaks.
What is clearcutting?
The practice of removing all trees in an area.
Explanation: While efficient, it can lead to habitat loss and soil erosion.
What is overfishing?
Harvesting fish faster than they can reproduce.
Explanation: Leads to population declines and ecosystem imbalance.
What is strip mining?
Removing surface layers to access mineral deposits.
Explanation: Efficient but causes significant land disturbance and habitat loss.
What is urban sprawl?
The expansion of human development into rural areas.
Name one environmental consequence of excessive fertilizer use.
Eutrophication of water bodies.
Explanation: Excess nutrients from fertilizers can lead to algal blooms, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life.
Name one ecological impact of deforestation.
Loss of biodiversity.
Explanation: Removing forests destroys habitats, threatening species survival.
Name one environmental concern associated with concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).
Water pollution from animal waste.
Explanation: Runoff can contaminate water sources, affecting ecosystems and human health.
Name one environmental impact of mining.
Water contamination from runoff.
Explanation: Toxic substances can leach into waterways, harming aquatic life.
What is smart growth? (or What is New Urbanism?)
City design concept focused on walkability, green spaces, and mixed land use.
How did the Green Revolution impact global food production?
It significantly increased food production through high-yield crops and advanced technologies.
Explanation: While boosting yields, it also led to increased chemical use and environmental concerns.
What is reforestation?
The process of planting trees to restore a forested area.
Explanation: Helps in carbon sequestration and ecosystem recovery.
What is aquaculture?
The farming of aquatic organisms like fish and shellfish.
Explanation: Provides food resources but can introduce diseases and pollutants if not managed properly.
What is acid mine drainage?
Acidic water formed from mining activities entering ecosystems.
Explanation: Can lower pH levels in water bodies, affecting organisms.
What is the impervious surface layer?
The layer of soil that becomes hard and compacted due to development.
What is salinization, and how can it affect agriculture?
Salinization is the accumulation of salts in soil, reducing its fertility.
Explanation: Often caused by improper irrigation, it can render land unproductive.
Define the “tragedy of the commons.”
Overuse of shared resources leading to their depletion.
Explanation: Occurs when individuals act in self-interest without considering the group’s long-term well-being.
How does meat production contribute to greenhouse gas emissions?
Through methane release from livestock digestion.
Explanation: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change.
Define reclamation in mining.
Restoring mined land to its original or usable state.
Explanation: Involves soil replacement, replanting vegetation, and monitoring.
What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?
Federal law requiring environmental review of major projects.
Define integrated pest management (IPM).
IPM is a sustainable approach combining biological, cultural, and chemical tools to manage pests.
Explanation: It aims to minimize environmental impact and promote long-term pest control.
What is selective cutting?
Harvesting only certain trees, preserving the overall forest structure.
Explanation: Maintains biodiversity and reduces environmental impact compared to clearcutting.
What is bycatch?
Non-target species caught during fishing.
Explanation: Can lead to the decline of unintended species and disrupt marine ecosystems
What is deforestation or habitat loss?
Environmental problem caused by mining in tropical forests.
What is sustainable urban planning?
Strategy that allows cities to maintain resources for future generations.