Summary
Humans have increased food production through the use of agricultural machinery, chemical fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and selective breeding. However, practices like monocultures and intensive livestock farming have ecological impacts.
- Agricultural machinery — machines used to farm larger areas efficiently Example: Tractors and harvesters replacing manual labor
- Chemical fertilizers — substances added to soil to increase nutrient levels Example: Nitrogen-based fertilizers boosting crop yields
- Insecticides — chemicals used to kill insects that damage crops Example: Spraying crops to prevent insect infestations
- Herbicides — chemicals used to kill weeds that compete with crops Example: Glyphosate used to clear fields of weeds
- Selective breeding — choosing specific plants or animals to reproduce for desired traits Example: Breeding cows that produce more milk
- Monocultures — farming practice of growing a single crop over a large area Example: Large fields of only corn
- Intensive livestock farming — raising large numbers of animals in confined spaces Example: Factory farming of chickens
- Famine — extreme scarcity of food Example: Starvation due to drought and poor harvests
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Agricultural machinery
- Chemical fertilizers
- Insecticides
- Herbicides
- Selective breeding
- Monocultures
- Intensive livestock farming
- Famine
Common Confusions
- Confusing the effects of insecticides and herbicides
- Misunderstanding the ecological impact of monocultures
Typical Exam Questions
- How do chemical fertilizers improve crop yields? They increase the nutrient content in the soil, promoting plant growth.
- What are the disadvantages of monocultures? They reduce biodiversity and can lead to increased pest populations.
- Why is intensive livestock farming criticized? It can lead to environmental issues like soil erosion and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of how modern technology increases food production
- Awareness of the ecological impacts of farming practices
- Ability to explain the causes and consequences of famine