Understanding Monoculture and Polyculture

The video explains monoculture, where a single crop is grown, using Farmer Mo as an example. It contrasts this with polyculture, where multiple crops are grown, as seen with Farmer Polly. Monoculture is efficient but risky due to lack of diversity, which can lead to problems like disease spread. The video discusses the importance of crop diversity to prevent such issues, using examples like bananas and corn. It concludes with solutions to enhance diversity, such as supporting local farms and breeding diverse crop varieties.

What is the primary reason some farmers prefer monoculture over polyculture?

• Increased biodiversity

• Higher crop variety

• Better pest control

• Simplified management

How does Farmer Mo's approach to pet care reflect his farming style?

• He has a variety of pets like his crops

• He only has one type of pet, similar to his single crop

• He changes pets every season

• He has no pets at all

What is a potential benefit of having different varieties of the same crop on a monoculture farm?

• Uniform ripening times

• Increased pest resistance

• More complex harvesting

• Higher water requirements

What issue is currently affecting bananas due to lack of diversity?

• Increased growth rate

• Resistance to diseases

• Vulnerability to a specific disease

• Higher nutritional value

What happened to corn in the U.S. in 1970 due to monoculture practices?

• It was unaffected by diseases

• It became more nutritious

• A large portion was destroyed by disease

• It was exported globally

What is a potential drawback of reducing diversity too much in agriculture?

• Improved soil quality

• Greater vulnerability to specific diseases

• Higher resistance to diseases

• Increased crop yield

How can farmers prevent the problems associated with monoculture?

• By reducing water usage

• By growing only one crop variety

• By increasing crop diversity

• By using more pesticides

Why are small farms important in maintaining crop diversity?

• They grow a variety of crops, including heirloom varieties

• They have larger land areas

• They focus on a single crop

• They use more fertilizers

What is one method biologists use to increase crop diversity?

• Reducing crop varieties

• Increasing pesticide use

• Monoculture farming

• Selective breeding

What is a key reason monoculture is prevalent in agriculture today?

• It increases biodiversity

• It is less profitable

• It allows for feeding more people efficiently

• It requires more resources