Modern Technologies
List all of the 5 modern technologies that humans have used to boost food production.
-Agricultural Machinery
-Chemical Fertilisers
-Insecticides
-Herbicides
-Selective Breeding
State 2 disadvantages of large-scale crop monocultures.
- Reduced ecosystem diversity
- Increased pest issues
- Problems with insecticides
Define Intensive Livestock Production.
The rearing and management of animals, such as cattle, poultry and sheep, for various purposes, including meat, milk, eggs, or fibre production.
The diagram shows a food chain.
A farmer sprays his cabbages with pesticide.
Which organism does the farmer want to kill?
A B C D
Cabbages -> Greenflies -> Beetles -> Small Birds
B) Greenflies
State 2 advantages of large-scale crop monocultures
- Easier to manage
- More efficient
- Promotes agricultural technology
- Higher earnings
What is a potential drawback of keeping livestock in confined spaces?
- Easy spread of disease
- Animals may be distressed, resulting in poor welfare
- Animals may become aggressive and injure each other
A large quantity of non-selective herbicide is spread over a field. However, some of the herbicide washes into a nearby stream.
What is the effect of the herbicide on the weeds in the field and on the plants in the stream?
State your answer in terms of more or less plant growth.
Weeds in the field - Less plant growth
Plants in the stream - Less plant growth
Explanation: A non-selective herbicide will likely kill all plants: both aquatic plants in the stream and weeds in the field.
True or False
Monocultures are beneficial to wildlife.
Explain your stance.
FALSE
Monocultures can harm wildlife as they lead to reduced biodiversity
How does intensive livestock production create food security? [1]
It helps to meet the growing demand for animal-based food products ensuring a stable and reliable supply of the same.