The description of these predictions should include the recognition that a
population demonstrating exponential growth has the potential to overtake a
food source that is only growing arithmetically. At that time, food shortages
would occur, putting downward pressure on the population, including famines.
(c) Maximum 4 points total: 2 points for listing TWO ways in which today’s
agricultural practices (referred to as industrial agriculture) differ from
earlier forms of agriculture and 2 points for listing TWO correct descriptions
of the environmental harm caused by the associated agricultural practices.
The description MUST align with the listed practice.
The recent era of farming and agricultural production is dramatically
different from the other types of subsistence farming commonly utilized in the
preceding 10,000 years. List TWO ways in which today’s approach differs
from earlier forms of agriculture AND describe TWO ways in which this
approach can cause greater environmental harm.
The table below provides a range of possible answers.
Modern/Industrial
Agricultural PracticeAssociated Explanation of the Environmental ImpactMonoculture/single
crop planting– The loss of diversity has the potential to make
the system more vulnerable to disease and
pests.
– The loss of diversity of seeds and crops
reduces naturally occurring food webs.Increased use of – Increased levels of carbon dioxide cause