Pesticides and GMOs in Agriculture

Mr. Smith discusses pest control, focusing on pesticides and their unintended consequences, such as killing non-target species and developing pesticide resistance. He explains the concept of the pesticide treadmill and introduces genetic modification as an alternative pest management strategy. The video covers the impact of GMOs on pesticide use, highlighting how BT corn reduces insecticide use while Roundup Ready crops increase herbicide use. The discussion also touches on the effects of GMOs on genetic diversity, emphasizing the risks of genetic uniformity. The session concludes with a practice question on the economic aspects of GMOs.

What is one unintended consequence of using pesticides?

• Increased crop yield

• Development of pesticide resistance

• Improved soil quality

• Enhanced biodiversity

What is one benefit of using pesticides in agriculture?

• Increased biodiversity

• Improved soil health

• Short-term pest control

• Permanent pest eradication

What is the 'pesticide treadmill'?

• A cycle of pests developing resistance, requiring new pesticides

• A method to increase pesticide effectiveness

• A strategy to reduce pesticide use

• A tool used to apply pesticides evenly

What role does genetic diversity play in pesticide resistance?

• It prevents resistance from developing

• It has no impact on resistance

• It makes all pests equally susceptible

• It allows some pests to survive and develop resistance

How does BT corn help in pest management?

• It requires less water

• It produces its own insecticide

• It grows faster than regular corn

• It is resistant to all types of pests

What is a consequence of using Roundup Ready crops?

• Improved genetic diversity

• Increased herbicide use

• Decreased herbicide use

• Reduced crop yield

How does the use of BT corn affect insecticide application?

• Increases insecticide use

• Decreases insecticide use

• Requires more frequent applications

• Has no effect on insecticide use

Why are GMOs considered risky in terms of genetic diversity?

• They grow slower than traditional crops

• They require more pesticides

• They have zero genetic diversity

• They are more expensive to produce

What is a characteristic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

• They are genetically diverse

• They are clones of each other

• They are resistant to all diseases

• They require more water

What is a potential disadvantage of GMOs in agriculture?

• Risk of catastrophic losses due to lack of diversity

• Higher resistance to pests

• Increased genetic diversity

• Lower crop yields