Identify one method used in the Green Revolution to increase crop production.
The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides was a key method to boost crop production during the Green Revolution.
What is the main purpose of irrigation in agriculture
Irrigation supplies water to crops for optimal growth
What are the main categories of pesticides and what are they used to eliminate or control?
Herbicides - plants
Rodenticides - rodents
Insecticides - insects
What is the primary concern regarding antibiotic use in livestock?
The overuse of antibiotics in livestock can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
What is bycatch, and why is it a concern in commercial fishing?
Bycatch is the unintended capture of non-target species during commercial fishing, raising ecological concerns.
How has mechanization in agriculture contributed to climate change?
Mechanization has increased agricultural efficiency but also contributes to carbon emissions.
Explain the concept of cone of depression in aquifers.
A cone of depression occurs when excessive groundwater pumping lowers the water table, potentially drying nearby wells
Describe the pesticide treadmill and its impact on pest populations.
The pesticide treadmill occurs when pests evolve resistance to pesticides, leading to the need for stronger chemicals.
Identify two benefits of CAFOs in meat production.
CAFOs are praised for their efficiency and ability to meet high demand for meat.
Describe what is meant by "fishing down the food web.
Fishing down the food web describes the practice of shifting fishing efforts to smaller species after depleting larger fish populations.
Describe one environmental disadvantage of using synthetic fertilizers in agriculture.
Synthetic fertilizers can increase crop yields but also contribute to nutrient runoff and water pollution.
What is the primary benefit of using furrow irrigation compared to other methods?
Furrow irrigation channels water directly into small trenches along crops, reducing water loss compared to other techniques.
Identify one method of integrated pest management (IPM) and its effectiveness
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines biological, chemical, and cultural methods for effective pest control.
Describe the concept of overgrazing and its consequences on soil health
Overgrazing occurs when livestock consume too much vegetation, leading to erosion and poor soil health.
What are the negative impacts of bottom trawling on marine ecosystems?
Bottom trawling involves dragging nets along the ocean floor, harming habitats and biodiversity.
What are High-Yield Variety (HYV) crops, and how do they differ from traditional crops?
High-Yield Variety (HYV) crops were developed to produce higher yields than traditional crops and often require more inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
Describe how overwatering can lead to soil salinization
Overwatering can lead to soil salinization, the accumulation of salts in the soil, harming plant growth.
What role do GMOs play in pest management, and what is a potential risk associated with their use?
GMOs can resist pests but may lead to concerns about genetic contamination.
What are the greenhouse gas emissions associated with meat production, and how do they compare to plant-based diets?
Meat production releases methane and carbon dioxide, which contribute significantly to global warming, especially compared to plant-based diets.
Explain the concept of "Tragedy of the Commons" in the context of overfishing.
The Tragedy of the Commons describes how shared resources are overused, such as in the case of overfishing.
Explain how the Green Revolution has impacted global food supply and one negative consequence associated with it.
The Green Revolution greatly increased global food supply but also led to issues such as pesticide resistance and soil degradation.
Compare and contrast drip irrigation and flood irrigation in terms of efficiency and impact on soil health
Drip irrigation minimizes water use while flood irrigation can lead to waterlogging, differing in efficiency and impact on soil health.
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using biocontrol methods in pest management
Biocontrol uses natural predators to control pests but can sometimes disrupt local ecosystems
Evaluate the environmental impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) versus free-range grazing.
CAFOs contribute to deforestation and pollution, while free-range grazing requires more land but has lower emissions.
Propose a solution to address fishery depletion and discuss its potential effectiveness.
Implementing marine reserves and catch limits can help address fishery depletion and protect global fish stocks.