3/3 - Biotech: Agriculture, Food Quality and Environment

3/3 - Biotech: Agriculture, Food Quality and Environment

Standard: 8.L.2 Biotechnology

EQ: What do you think about the advantages and disadvantages of using biotechnology? (medical, industrial, agricultural)

Norman Borlaug and the Green Revolution

In order to understand the importance of using biotechnology in crop improvement, and how pivotal this has been for our world, you must learn about the Green Revolution which began in the 1930's before we has GMOs.

Multiple Choice

Norman Borlaug began his research in crop improvement in order to...

• Feed more livestock quickly

• Feed the world's growing population

• Make the United States the wealthiest country

• Increase the price of wheat

Multiple Select

During the Green Revolution, crops yields were increased by which of the following advances in biotechnology? (Mark ALL that apply)

• better irrigation of farmland

• wheat bred to grow really well in hot environments, such as Mexico and India

• genetically modified wheat that was resistant to pests

• more efficient use of pesticides

Multiple Choice

What is the oldest form of biotechnology?

• natural selection

• GMOs

• gene therapy

• artificial selection

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of artificial selection?

• A species evolving to withstand cold environments

• A person breeding dogs for long, thick coats

• A species of plant becoming extinct

• A snake blending in with its environment

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Multiple Choice

A transgenic crop is a plant that has genes from a different _______ artificially inserted into its genome

• species

• carrier

• vector

• bacteria

Multiple Choice

Insect resistant crops are crops that are modified to produce their own ______

• genetic variation

• acids

• insecticides

• poison

Multiple Choice

BT corn is a genetically modified organism, (GMO), that is a specific example of an insect ______ crop.

• susceptible

• persistent

• resistant

Multiple Choice

Genes from _______ have been inserted into some major crops as a way to help them withstand harsh environments.

• Animals

• bacteria

• viruses

• weeds

Multiple Choice

Is BT corn harmful to human health?

• No, it is not.

• Yes, it is.

• We aren't sure yet.

Multiple Select

Using a combination of genetic modification and artificial selection, scientists can control which of the following traits to improve food quality? (Mark the 3 choices that apply)!

• Size of the fruits and veggies

• taste and the amount of nutrients

• when it ripens and how long it stays fresh

• which stores a buyer might find the product

Multiple Choice

True or false? The use of biotechnology in the production of food crops has helped to control the costs of food by increasing food production and food quality

• True!

• False!

Golden Rice

Provides essential vitamin A needed to prevent illness

Multiple Choice

Golden rice is an example of a GMO that was created to fight malnutrition by providing people with more Beta-carotene, which is needed for the body to make vitamin A. Why is Vitamin A important?

• It prevents malaria

• too little vitamin A can lead to blindness and illness

• It is essential for building muscle

• too little vitamin A can lead to seizures