Summary and Exam Tips for Food Supply
Food Supply is a subtopic of Human Influences on Ecosystems, which falls under the subject Biology in the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. Modern technology has significantly enhanced food production through various methods. Agricultural machinery allows the cultivation of larger land areas, improving efficiency. Chemical fertilizers increase soil nutrients, boosting plant growth and yields. Insecticides and herbicides reduce plant damage and competition, respectively, enhancing crop quality and yield. Selective breeding is used to develop high-yielding varieties of plants and livestock.
Monoculture farming involves growing a single crop type over large areas, which reduces biodiversity and can lead to increased pest populations. The use of insecticides in monocultures can harm non-target insects, cause pollution, and lead to pest resistance.
Intensive livestock farming in developed countries involves keeping large numbers of animals in confined spaces, often requiring high-energy feeds and antibiotics. This practice can reduce biodiversity, cause soil erosion, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, notably methane.
The global food supply faces challenges such as famine due to natural disasters, population growth, poverty, and unequal distribution. Increasing food production often leads to deforestation and higher greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming and associated environmental issues.
Exam Tips
- Understand Key Terms: Use specific Biology terms in your answers to demonstrate understanding.
- Question Clarity: Carefully read questions to determine whether they ask for a definition, explanation, or reason.
- Marks Indication: Use the number of marks as a guide for how detailed your answer should be.
- Avoid Vague Language: Avoid using ambiguous words like "it" or "they" without clear reference.
- Practice Questions: Regularly practice past questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.
