90 likes | 194 Views
Homework. Should have already completed: Chapter 10 – Agriculture, Biotechnology and the Future of Food. Read pages 252 – 257 For next class , Read pages 257 (starting at Seed Banks to 261 stopping at Genetically Modified Food.
E N D
Homework • Should have already completed: Chapter 10 – Agriculture, Biotechnology and the Future of Food. Read pages 252 – 257 • For next class, Read pages 257 (starting at Seed Banks to 261 stopping at Genetically Modified Food. • Project due tomorrow, ideally in class but the latest is 5:00 EST
New material – Chapter 10 • What happens when invasive species are introduced
New material – Chapter 10 • What are genetically modified crops? Give an example and why are they feared?
What are Biofuels? • Biofuels = are derived from organic materials • Replace petroleum in engines • Ethanol = a biofuel derived from corn • 2007 subsidies doubled production • Food prices increased • Farmers sold corn for ethanol, not food • Farmers planted biofuels, not food crops • Riots erupted in many nations
Preserving crop diversity • Preserving native variants protects against crop failure • Monocultures are vulnerable • Wild relatives contain genes that can provide resistance to disease and pests • But Mexico has lifted its ban on transgenic corn • We have lost a great deal of genetic diversity in crops • U.S. crops have decreased 90% in diversity • Market forces discourage diversity in food’s appearance • Food producers prefer uniform, standardized food
New material – Chapter 10 • Explain the purpose of the “Doomsday Seed Vault?” • Is it truly necessary? Explain
Seed banks are living museums • Seed banks = institutions that preserve seed types as living museums of genetic diversity • Seeds are collected, stored, and periodically planted The “doomsday seed vault” in Norway stores millions of seeds from around the world
New material – Chapter 10 • Pesticides versus Biocontrols • Sea otters and their role • Kudzu and Cane Toads • IPM (integrated Pest Management)
Reminder of Tuesday • Remember we are meeting in the computer lab on Friday to work our the research project